Mazda CX-3 review: An SUV still worth considering?

[@somat111]

It annoys me no end when reviewers complain about the lack of space in small cars, it's a small car for a reason! The manufactures just end up making their prodcuts a little bigger in response each time and you end with stuff like the current Honda Civic, which went from a genuinely small car (almost kei car small) to something that's medium sized now.

[@aka7kak8]

Honda jazz is similar exterior size but mega spacious inside. So trendy long bonnet for cx-3 is designers compromise

[@justinseau]

New compact cars are now smaller, most likely to the benefit of crash protection. I have 2008 Yaris and it has way more rear passenger room than a 2024 Corolla hatch.

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

@@justinseau To be fair the Corolla is just a really inefficient design for space, even compared to other modern designs.

[@oladokunsamuel5923]

You do have a good point Sir 😂😂😂. Civic is now every bit of a full fledged sedan

[@luanphan2706]

@@oladokunsamuel5923 Where I'm from, we call it the Accord mini.

[@Tellyawhat4]

After much research, we bought the CX3 S Touring variant with manual transmission in the same Platinum colour, and it's been an amazing car. Comfortable ride, great fuel efficiency, nicely equipped and good looking. The engine and manual transmission are a dream. It's a year old now and we have no regrets. The price was also very reasonable for what the car offers.

[@hisa-zl4xm]

I am a Japanese and bought cx-3 a few weeks ago. It hasn't arrived yet. I will get it in coming December. I am really forward to having cx-3!!!!!!

[@buncha5651]

It's still a great looking car, a much better choice than any EV.

[@Tellyawhat4]

Much better value than an EV too!

[@Greggie_D]

Perfect for an older buyer not wanting all the bing bong BS while upgrading their car. Shorter people move the drivers seat forward freeing up plenty of space in the rear. Slightly higher driving position than vehicles like the Mazda 2. Great entry level pricing for newer drivers. No wonder it’s a good seller. Reliable and proven vehicle. Most of your complaints here mean very little in the real world.

[@TheStigHCE09]

Emphasis on "slightly" higher. The ground clearance between CX-3 and Mazda2 is only 3mm, the seat base height is less than 10mm, and the rear seat space is actually *less* than Mazda2. I've always seen this as an extremely pointless and overpriced car, yes it has the 2.0L engine and the option of AWD but it barely feels any quicker than the 1.5L.

[@kenlloyd3078]

I owned one of these for a couple of years, before recently upgrading to an X-Trail epower. The CX3 was the best I could afford at the time, but it just worked well without all the rubbish cluttering many modern cars. It was perfectly capable of holding the 110 kph speed limit on a freeway under cruise control without sagging at the knees on hills. No, it isn't a hot hatch, but the performance was acceptable with just two in the car. It and the Mitsubishi ASX are good examples of long-lasting designs that really don't need "fixing".

[@kylegriffiths5990]

Except the ASX is garbage compared to the CX-3 in terms of quality.

[@kenlloyd3078]

@@kylegriffiths5990 Well, I did choose the CX3 because I thought it was the better car of the two, but my point is that they both sell really well because they are reasonably priced and just do their jobs with a minimum of fuss.

[@Tellyawhat4]

@@kenlloyd3078 How are you liking the X-Trail?

[@kenlloyd3078]

@@Tellyawhat4 The X-Trail is a good drive - it really is like driving an EV that happens to run on petrol. Some testers have winged that it's not as efficient as a Rav4, but I'm getting a genuine 6.6 L/100km in local trips around town. The CX-3 was averaging 7.6, so getting significant better consumption from a much larger and more powerful vehicle is fine by me.

[@Tellyawhat4]

@@kenlloyd3078 Awesome! Will consider this SUV. Thx, mate!

[@sam_myyy]

I bought this exact model earlier this year and honestly its such a fun car to drive. Few reasons that made me purchase this car, 1. I wanted a taller car compared to my previous compact car. 2. I wanted a SUV at a suitable size as I mostly drive around the metro area so being able to park in a small spot was important to me. 3. not having too much tech!!! For me, cruise control and lane departure or even istop was not important to me. I never liked cruise control as I find that it slows down too much on the road. But I wanted apple car play and a nice interior. I love the non digital climate controls too, it's just easier to turn the nobs than to fiddle the screen to > fan speeds or temperatures imo. I was contemplating whether to pick the cx-30 as they're at a similar price range, but for me, I don't have a partner or family and do not plan to in the near future so it was kind of pointless to get a bigger sized car. I rarely have passengers too so having big space was not important as well. I would say if you have a relatively easy lifestyle and mostly driving solos this car is a good start. but hey, that's just my take after having this car for 6 months now :)

[@djjames6576]

A lot of people are still wanting a car for 30k and not wanting to drop 50k+. Many would be happy to do away with less features and tech and have a simpler town runabout

[@calebwany8422]

Government regulations and mandates say hi

[@tbillington]

Having no stupid beeps makes it more appealing than a Lamborghini

[@GhostsnGoblins]

I just brought the cx3 pure and picked it up on last Thursday very happy with it.

[@jackdownie9875]

I think that the 1982 people who purchased a CX-3 in September 2024 believe it’s still a valid light SUV option. It’s still the most popular light SUV for many reasons.

[@nevininni2709]

Why change something when it stills works fine and still sells like hot cakes. Hopefully Mazda keep the design until 2026/27 or later.

[@davidrome6066]

I’d buy one of these in the Touring trim with the black roof. Who cares about the infotainment system as it doesn’t drive the car. Mazda sells 1200-1500 units a month so obviously the car suits many people.

[@geevee9728]

Nice to hear that it doesn't constantly beep at you. I hope you make a habit of mentioning in your reviews whether or not all the BS safety systems can be disabled.

[@shurvlog4893]

I just bought one, this model is so smooth

[@davie59.]

Read my comments you may not want to keep this great little car long term?

[@buster_1972]

Why do all you car reviewer's keep bringing up the info screen is not a touch screen. If you can't touch your iPhone while driving, you shouldn't be able to touch a screen while driving.

[@aka7kak8]

A rare combination of light small car and decent displacement engine without turbo. Mid-range revs feel proper and convenient torque.

[@Malc664]

At least there's buttons for everything instead of in-screen tech. It's good on fuel without the expense of hybrid. Great for young people and elderly without kids. You can push the steering wheel in and move the seat forward for those rare adult passenger times.

[@mrEz87]

This car in manual is actually a super fun car to drive. Light, easy to park and bulletproof. Great value car especially used. Awesome car for the city.

[@abfrgeg]

Id pick this over Chinese made cars any day

[@MARKINAU8]

It's not Japanese made anymore. It's no better than recent GEELY and OMADA

[@Tellyawhat4]

@@MARKINAU8 Made in Thailand now.

[@davidrome6066]

Totally agree 👍🏻

[@Sneakyboson]

Cx-5 still made in Japan, right?

[@davidrome6066]

@@MARKINAU8 that’s debatable

[@kayself1891]

I’m about to buy my 5th Mazda. Ticks me off that O/S gets a bigger screen for the CX-3 but Australia doesn’t. We buy so many so deserve all upgrades.

[@wrigzzx]

I have owned a couple cars since I got my 2016 stouring brand new. Have missed this car ever since and my next car will be one of these again

[@IMODN2]

Love the fact it has no safety star rating 😂 . It's annoying having to take 3 hours at the start of every trip turning off all the safety options.

[@ubernoob103]

Honda HR-V hybrid update review coming at all?

[@user-1611-n6f]

There is a good reason why the Mazda CX -3 is so popular in Australia, this should have been mentioned where I think your review ended up coming over as negative rather than positive that Australians like the fact that Mazda hasn't gone down this endless road of things that added to cars for the purpose of sales, where the Mazda CX-3 DOSENT DO THAT...

[@peterming]

Easter egg: you can actually remove the center divider/cup holder on the central console and slot it in the inner side of armrest. Small but useful thing. As for the rear seat space, once you try to fit into rear seat of Lexus LBX this CX3 will feel generously roomy.

[@Melon-jh1zu]

Hey Paul, would you be able to tell us a bit more about the sound system/speakers in the cars?

[@peterming]

I assure you it’s a decent system, I’ve owned one for about a year. Good sound without needing to upgrade anything.

[@suomalainentalvi2792]

Great run around 2 litre motor 6 speed auto Good price point @30k on road 5 year warranty , got over paying big dollars to mechanic for yearly pink slips driving older car. Bonus I’m short so is the Mrs so it suits us fine 👍🏻

[@kamfab20]

One of the best, realliabe, still fresh looking, popular and hood quality Brand Car. So Mazda made the best out of it🎉❤🎉 Sure car is not new, but still affordable! 😊

[@lululala3175]

It's cute to see Paul reviewing a cute small car as he mostly reviews big cars lol

[@davie59.]

We had one of these for 5 years, a great little car for the first 3 years. Then, the long-term reliability lets it down poorly. Major issue with steering coulm repaired under warranty with same Chinese OME part which failed again. Rear seat belts both failed had to be replaced again under warranty. Noisy front suspension, which they could never fix. Loved the car at first but would never buy another mazda after this bad experience.

[@nikkipedro]

You haven't reviewed the newest Sonata either.

[@kavinchauhan4620]

I currently own a 2017 Mazda CX-3 AWD fully loaded here in Fiji, and seeing your video on the 2024 model, there seems to be very little difference on the 2024 compared to my 2017 model, apart from the e-brakes here compared to my traditional hand brakes, blind spot monitoring, and the brake lights ofcourse. Suffice to say the CX-3 maintains a high value no matter which model year you consider

[@uraialagidamudamu7813]

Considering to buy one, im from Fiji too. Do you think its a good car for a new driver and a first time car owner?

[@kavinchauhan4620]

@uraialagidamudamu7813 bula vinaka...it is a strong compact vehicle for couples or a small family making it easy to manoeuvre in city/town areas, parking is easy (factory reverse camera and sensors), plus the 2.0 Litre engine with 109kW/146hp with AWD has good power

[@ILostMyKeys]

Very poor review. It's a small car stop hammering on about how it has less storage and leg room. It's cheap because it isn't crammed in with every new piece of tech like digital displays and wireless phone chargers. For some people $30k is the top of their budget and this review should be about why you should pick this over a Chinese counterpart. Not every car you review Paul needs to be a $75k 7 seat all in one family boat on wheels. Edit: also can we cut all the superfluous busywork out of these reviews yet? Who cares about touch points, door closing sounds and horn. Stick to the interesting quirks and features.

[@markhansford5930]

My 30 year old Astra got 46 mpg, and my current Hilux consistently gets 8L/100km so I think the economy is pretty average

[@Siphesihle0531]

Can you review the new mazda 3 top spec please please

[@TheYousken]

Analogue gauges are good! Too much tech infotainment nonsense in new models.

[@MaxDJsWorkshop]

A front wheel drive city SUV? Not sure that makes sense,...self confessed Subaru Fan boy here.... but I do appreciate your comments about the entry height, those of us that are somewhat joint inflexible understand. I've always thought the Mazda 3 (et al) range were pretty good looking, and its aged well I reckon. And I agree, given the price of new cars in general now, that price is keen given what it buys. BTW, I really enjoy and appreciate your reviewing style and approach. Amongst the best 🙂

[@TheKasiGearhead]

Mini suv sounds better

[@G-Man01]

Paul, why are manufacturers charging such exorbitant prices when their FWD drivetrains & even part time AWD drivetrains are so mediocre?

[@olivier_the_dilettante]

let down, analog speedometer, analog rev counter for racing on the streets?

[@murrayhyde4902]

Whats a good price for a 2022 model, with approx 22000km. Maxx sport trim (1 up from base trim). ????

[@gordonclark7632]

Maybe you just have to drive the car and pay attention instead of the modern nanny vehicles. Doesn't the stop start system have a switch to turn it off. I do that each time in my Mazda 3 Evolve.

[@jackheid5083]

I would never buy one. I had a mate who owned one and it was just too small for me. We owned a mazda cx9 and that was a better fit being 6'2. It's probably better for short people who are used to being close to the ground.

[@martiniwanderi719]

Sonata n-line review??? 😢 competitor to Camry, accord and Skoda? Haven’t reviewed that ever 😢

[@buncha5651]

Can you turn the stop start off ?

[@woox200sx]

Yes. But you need to turn it off every time you start the car.

[@somat111]

Not sure about the CX3 but in the related Mazda2 there's a brake pressure thershold needed for the stop / start to activate, so if you apply just enough pressure to keep it stationary the engine will not switch off.

[@peterming]

Simply put the air con temp at the lowest and the start stop will never, well, start.

[@davie59.]

You can disable the Istop by disconecting the small micro switch in the hood latch under the bonnet.

[@vickimackay5061]

Depress the iStop button and wedge a small folded piece of paper down the side to keep the button depressed. Works like a charm!

[@user-tl3js5vq7k]

its definitely showing its age

[@davie59.]

And not that reliable long-term

[@PerthSoftware]

You can set the top speed. Then it will beep if you go over.

[@lungaswazi9194]

I don't know how I feel about being told we're not at the proving ground so late in the review. Maybe even annoying.

[@Komorijournal]

Review the Mitsubishi asx

[@nknareshkumar]

Fuel economy ?

[@Mr9mm]

Hard to take these seriously now as he's a sponsored sellout.

[@donnaeve3939]

So glad it’s not the end of the world… generally 😂

[@实践财富自由]

What‘s the noise level?

[@Tellyawhat4]

Very quiet. We do highway driving up to 110kms and cabin noise is minimal.

[@davidmeyers8230]

I doubt you would be buying the CX3 if you had kids to cart around with all that goes with them.

[@MARKINAU8]

I have to say it sales went up only because people can't afford bigger CX5 and they're confused with the Mazda3 for the different chassis and drivetrain. It's overpriced car with high fuel consumption and they're made in Thailand not Japan!

[@memo313media]

It should be called a Mazda 2 Cross, yes it’s small😅😂

[@sajithp-p1w]

Review Range Rover Evoque

[@jajajjaahhshdhd1659]

review gac emzoom

[@marvinlopez5217]

Looks waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too old now! I would not buy this at all.

[@kevincaldwell4707]

So it’s good that it has no “nanny tech”? That’s an issue when we don’t want that tech in our cars

[@calebwany8422]

I wish they it roomier for taller folks

[@fale892]

Its a SMALL car 🤦‍♂️

[@calebwany8422]

@@fale892 Honda Fit fits me pretty well and it's a small car

[@RodneyW]

Do you sit in the back that much? It's pretty good for tall people in the front seats.

[@calebwany8422]

@@RodneyW People say it's ok, but some say it's too tight of a fit even in front seats

[@RodneyW]

@@calebwany8422 Our Mazda 2 regularly carries a 6'2" family member in the front passenger seat. Any passenger behind him would be highly compromised, but he has no problems with the seat fully back. The CX-3 is essentially a jacked up Mazda 2 with a bigger motor.

[@DMT267]

Reliable, but boring as hell. The dash has been the same since mosses was a boy, and that tiny speedo display inside the tachometer.......seriously Mazda. Owned 2 Mazdas in my life, and never again !!!

[@markwilliams6378]

That's why I don't feel sorry when these manufacturers go out of business. You already have the CX 30 why waste resources on a CX3? They're going to cannibalize each other's sales. Really smart business plan🙄

[@wosamosman9814]

Or all the CX-00 SUVs they're selling now 😂.

[@RodneyW]

Mazda has a different business model to Ford. Ford essentially sells one platform in two variants (i.e. the Ranger and Everest). Mazda has platforms and models that cover almost every conceivable need... from first small car through to mid-life crisis sports car through to large luxury family SUV. They cover every price point from $25k through to $100k. The only thing they're really missing is an EV.... When Mazda introduced the CX-30 in 2020, they probably considered terminating the CX-3. However, the market is big enough for both.... they sold nearly 2,000 CX-3's last month and around 1,200 CX-30s. The CX-3 is an excellent car for people who rarely carry adults in the back seat, and don't have much need for luggage space. The CX-30 is >20% bigger in the cabin and boot, and is correspondingly ~20% more pricey to buy.

[@leemace9638]

Its just a bit girly not really a car for men

[@Tellyawhat4]

Just attach some truck nuts to the back bumper and press the pedal to the metal.

[@Bill-ki4zf]

Oh, I spose you have to drive a big dopey ute to prove you are a MAN hey!!

[@TheKasiGearhead]

Also depends on the colour and car specs.

[@38skippers]

Sounds wheezy,gutless,lifeless and the worst headlights I've ever used.