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Mazda CX-3

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Mazda CX-3 Review, For Sale, Colours, Interior, Specs & News

Mazda CX-3 small SUV was an instant hit for the Japanese company when it launched in 2015, and helped to reshape the passenger car landscape with its overt styling and compact dimensions.

Based on the small Mazda2 hatch, the five-door CX-3 is offered in front-wheel or all-wheel drive versions, with diesel or petrol engines, and in levels of specification ranging from bargain basement to quasi-luxury. The CX-3 NEO Sport (fwd) starts at $23,510 up to $39,810 for CX-3 Akari LE (awd).

Its rivals are as varied as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Mitsubishi ASX, but it beat all comers in its first full year on sale, and will continue to perform strongly in a highly competitive space.

Mazda CX-3 Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Mazda CX-3 varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $26,800 and going to $38,620 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 SUV 2.0L, —, 6 SP AUTO $26,800 $38,620
2023 SUV 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $23,510 $39,810
2022 SUV 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $19,910 $42,900
2021 SUV 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $17,050 $42,020
2020 SUV 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $15,840 $39,490
See All Mazda CX-3 Pricing and Specs

Mazda CX-3 Colours

Seven 2024 Mazda CX-3 colours are available - two mica shades - ‘Snowflake White’ and ‘Jet Black’, as well as five metallics - ‘Aero Grey’, ‘Polymetal’, ‘Platinum Quartz’, ‘Soul Red Crystal’ and ‘Machine Grey’. 

  • Polymetal Grey
  • Ceramic Metallic
  • Soul Red Crystal Metallic
  • Machine Grey Metallic
  • Deep Crystal Blue Mica
  • Jet Black Mica
  • Snowflake White Pearl
  • Platinum Quartz Metallic
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website.

Mazda CX-3 Interior

The 2024 Mazda CX-3's interior is a simple, fuss-free environment, but in a small SUV world moving rapidly towards slick integrated screens for multimedia and instrumentation, the CX-3 is showing its age.

Mazda CX-3 Dimensions

The dimensions of the Mazda CX-3 SUV vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 SUV 1535x1765x4275 mm 145 mm
2023 SUV 1535x1765x4275 mm 160 mm
2022 SUV 1535x1765x4275 mm 160 mm
2021 SUV 1535x1765x4275 mm 160 mm
2020 SUV 1535x1765x4275 mm 160 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda CX-3 Dimensions

Mazda CX-3 Accessories

All 2024 Mazda CX-3s are fitted standard with power-adjustable auto-folding exterior mirrors, cruise control, an 8.0-inch multimedia screen, Android Auto (wired) and Apple CarPlay (wireless), six-speaker audio with digital radio, keyless start, cloth trim. There are five model grades with higher versions incorporating additional features.

Mazda CX-3 Accessories

Mazda CX-3 Boot Space

With the back seat upright, the 2024 Mazda CX-3's boot capacity is an okay 264 litres. Lower the 60/40 split-folding rear seat backrest and available space expands to 1174L.

Mazda CX-3 Boot space Mazda CX-3 Boot space

Mazda CX-3 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Mazda CX-3 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • Should I buy a Mazda CX-3 or Kona Elite from 2020?

    Early this year, Hyundai issued a recall for some Konas built between 2020 and 2022 to deal with problems with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission which could cause a loss of drive and, therefore, a dangerous situation on the road. So the first check would be to see if your car you're looking at is affected by that recall (a Hyundai dealer will be able to tell you by looking up the car's VIN). If the car is one of the affected ones but the recall's fixes have been applied, then you have less to worry about.

    The Kona's engine problems, meanwhile, were another cause for a safety recall after it was discovered that a batch of Konas had defective piston rings which could cause early engine wear and possibly even a fire. Again, these problems were being fixed by Hyundai, but you need to check whether the example you're looking at buying was one of the affected ones and what's been done about it by the previous owner.

    The Mazda CX-3 of the same era has not been without its recalls either, including one for a suspension joint that could fail, but overall, the experience of owners suggests the Mazda could be the less risky bet. Again, though, check the service and recall history of any car before handing over the money.

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  • What are the pros and cons of a 2018 MG ZS?

    ZS pros include cheap pricing, an easy driving experience and a comparatively spacious interior compared to other direct rivals like a Mazda CX-3. The dash is pleasant, there is a decent amount of equipment and the controls are all simple to use. It should also be fairly inexpensive to run and service, though earlier ZSs like yours require six-monthly rather than 12-monthly service intervals.

    There are two engine options - a 1.5-litre four-cylinder model with a four-speed auto on the base Excite, or a 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder version on higher-specification Excite Plus and Essence grades with a six-speed auto. Note that the latter powertrain is more expensive to service.

    Plus, there's still a fair chunk of the manufacturer's warranty left, which is seven years, while capped-price servicing is also offered.

    But the ZS does not offer AEB Autonomous Emergency Braking, so only rates a four-star ANCAP crash-test rating.

    Additionally, the ZS's suspension is on the firm side in terms of dealing with road bumps, which might upset some occupants, yet there is not much of the 'fun factor' in regards to steering and handling finesse that rivals like the CX-3, Suzuki Vitara, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue, Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Kona offer in spades.

    We've also heard complaints about the interior's perceived quality being sub-par, cabin storage isn't generous and Android Auto isn't supported (though Apple CarPlay is).

    Finally, the ZS' resale value trails all of the aforementioned competitors by a significant margin, meaning it's on track to be worth less when the time comes to on-sell it.

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  • Which SUV should I buy?

    I can’t give you a specific answer to which has the lowest cabin noise, except to say that all the leading brands are relatively quiet. I would suggest you test drive each and decide which suits your needs the best.

     

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  • Mazda CX-3: Is it a good family car?

    Without knowing what you mean by casual weekend drives, I will assume they’re not off-road, so either one would be a good choice.

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See All Mazda CX-3 Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Mazda CX-3 Fuel Consumption

The Mazda CX-3 is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by —, ULP and Diesel fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 6.3L/100km for SUV /— for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 SUV 6.3L/100km 2.0L 6 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 6.3L/100km 2.0L 6 SP AUTO
2023 SUV 6.6L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2022 SUV 6.6L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2021 SUV 6.6L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
2020 SUV 5.1L/100km 1.8L Diesel 6 SP AUTO
2020 SUV 6.6L/100km 2.0L ULP 6 SP MAN
* Combined fuel consumption See All Mazda CX-3 Pricing and Specs for 2024

Mazda CX-3 Engine

The 2024 Mazda CX-3 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine sending drive to the front wheels via a six-speed auto transmission. The all-alloy unit features direct-injection and variable valve timing to produce 110kW at 6000rpm and 195Nm at 2800rpm.

Mazda CX-3 Towing Capacity

The Mazda CX-3 has maximum towing capacity of 1200kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 SUV 1200kg 1200kg
2023 SUV 1200kg 1200kg
2022 SUV 1200kg 1200kg
2021 SUV 1200kg 1200kg
2020 SUV 800kg 1200kg
See All Towing Capacity for Mazda CX-3

Mazda CX-3 Wheel Size

The Mazda CX-3 has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 215x60 R16 9 for SUV in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 SUV 215x60 R16 9 215x60 R16 9
2023 SUV 215x60 R16 215x60 R16
2022 SUV 215x60 R16 215x60 R16
2021 SUV 215x60 R16 215x60 R16
2020 SUV 215x60 R16 16x6.5 inches 215x60 R16 16x6.5 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Mazda CX-3 Wheel Sizes

Mazda CX-3 Speed

The 2024 Mazda CX-3 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in around nine seconds and top speed is approximately 190km/h.

Mazda CX-3 Seats

The 2024 Mazda CX-3 is a five-seater with ample space for their occupants front and rear.

Mazda CX-3 Seats

Mazda CX-3 Range

Using Mazda’s official 6.3L/100km combined cycle fuel economy figure, the 2024 Mazda CX-3's driving range is around 760km.