Mazda’s CX-3 is a likable small SUV, and it comes down to the way it looks, the drive, and decent comfort levels.  Let’s take a closer look at one of these vehicles and see why a CX-3 might be the small SUV that is perfect for your needs.  Each new Mazda comes with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty as well as roadside assistance should your ever require it (at the time of writing), and it’s a brand that has proven reliable and dependable for many miles for many folks. 

I really like the little CX-3’s proportions and design.  The CX-3 SUV has been settled onto the same chassis that Mazda uses for their Mazda 2 Hatch.  The slightly taller ride height coming with chunky side skirts, protective aprons and flared wheel arches sets this apart from the more elegant lines of the equivalent Mazda 2 hatchback.  But I like it that way.  With its muscle-bound appearance, the chunkier CX-3 SUV looks cool and will more likely be run on errands along gravel roads outback than the more refined Mazda 2 Hatch.  With its increase in ride height, the CX-3 is definitely aiming for SUV buyers instead of hatchback lovers; though I think a few of the hatchback lovers will appreciate the CX-3’s skillset and be won over as well.

I’ve always liked the recent interior design and quality that Mazda has incorporated into their new vehicles.  There is a simplicity and elegance with the styling of Mazda dashboards, all the switchgear and buttons are perfectly placed, and it’s got all the necessary new waves of technology to keep up with modern communications and infotainment.  The steering wheel is small but chunky and nice to hold, and the driver’s display is clear and easily seen.  A leather skirt on the gear lever, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel (higher-end models), soft touch materials on the dash and doors, leather seats (Akari), and climate controls all aid your experience of being inside a quality vehicle.  All the switchgear and buttons are solid and nicely weighted, and the touchscreen is nicely situated as a prominent dash display.  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an SD card slot, two USB-A ports, and a 12 V socket come as standard in the front of the cabin. 

How about space for passengers?  As this is a small SUV based on a small Mazda 2 Hatch, the CX-3 can easily fit children in the back seats, but taller folk with longer legs will likely find legroom is rather too tight.  If you have longer legs, then you’ll have no issues with either of the front seats.  Mazda’s bigger SUVs are also available for you.  Boot space dials in at 264 litres behind the back seats.  The rear seats split-fold in a 60:40 pattern, and luggage capacity can be increased to as much as 1147 litres when the back seats are folded down flat.

The last time the Mazda CX-3 was tested by ANCAP was in 2015, when it scored five stars.  Now, the CX-3 is well equipped with safety features that include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and front, front-side and curtain airbags – all of which are standard across all models. 

The Mazda CX-3 G20 Pure adds a driver attention alert system and lane departure warning.  The CX-3 G20 Evolve adds to this front parking sensors.  Adding to that, the CX-3 G20 Touring SP and Akari gain adaptive cruise control with stop/go, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning and traffic sign recognition. 

So, as you may have guessed, there are five level of trims across the small CX-3 SUV range.  As the base model, the CX-3 Sport comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a nice six-speaker sound system with DAB+ digital radio, cloth upholstery, an electric parking brake with auto hold, keyless start, air-conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, and a 12V outlet.  This is quite an affordable car, and I can see plenty of people enjoying the Sport model as an everyday driver and commuter for work. 

For a little extra, the CX-3 Pure adds some extra features, so things like rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, automatic high-beam detection, LED daytime running lights, a head-up display, satellite navigation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and LED tail lights make their way into the mix.

The CX-3 Evolve brings in a stylish set of 18-inch alloy wheels, and an interior that boasts Maztex leatherette/Grand Luxe suede upholstery.

The CX-3 Touring SP adds plenty more, and so heated power-folding exterior mirrors, a pair of LED front fog lights, heated front seats, premium leather/Grand Luxe suede upholstery, a powered driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, and keyless entry find their way into this premium model.

But it is the flagship Mazda CX-3 Akari that adds the works, making this a deserving flagship for the small Mazda CX-3 SUV range.  This CX-3 Akari will make the perfect small luxury car, especially as it boasts a single-pane sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, a full leather upholstery interior, a special Bose 7-speaker sound system, and a 360-degree camera system.  I reckon I could happily run the loop around Australia in this one!

What’s under the bonnet?  A peppy 110 kW 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine does the job very well.  With 195 Nm of torque from 2800 rpm, this is a smooth operator – the front-wheel-drive and six-speed automatic transmission working as a perfect combo for the small SUV.  All models have seamless idle stop/start technology, and you should see a combined fuel consumption of 6–7 litres/100 km.  The CX-3 runs on 91 regular unleaded (RON) fuel and has a 48-litre fuel tank that requires topping up rather infrequently, I should expect.  As far as handling and ride comfort goes, the CX-3 sits right at the top of the class and is enjoyable to drive

Mazda’s 2024 CX-3 is a small SUV/glorified hatchback that really does perform its task very well.  You’ll already know that you’re buying a small vehicle, so won’t lament the lack of legroom for taller folk in the rear seats.  The Mazda CX-3 is easy to drive, and I can see why it (and other small Mazda vehicles) have been a popular choice for Australians. 

The current 2024 Mazda CX-3 SUV models include the:

• Mazda CX-3 Sport
• Mazda CX-3 Pure
• Mazda CX-3 Evolve
• Mazda CX-3 Touring SP
• Mazda CX-3 Akari

For any more information on the new Mazda CX-3 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!