Buying a used Mazda CX-3 (2015-2020)

Mazda based its first-ever small SUV, the CX-3, on the same platform as its very successful Mazda2 light hatchback, then added petrol or diesel engine options and an extensive range of packaging choices.

The initial design was displayed in late 2014 at the Los Angeles auto show and reached Australian showrooms just six months later.

Local deliveries were most commonly supplied with Mazda’s resilient 2.0-litre petrol engine, however there was a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel for those with serious concerns about fuel economy.

Six-speed manual transmission was standard, with six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive optional.

In 2018 a facelift and general upgrade, including replacement of the manual handbrake lever with a switch, was introduced. Pricing increased slightly at the same time, with the entry-level Mazda CX-3 Neo up by $400 to reach $20,490 plus on-road costs. The flagship CX-3 Akari was also now above $37,000 plus ORCs.

Australia was a popular destination for the CX-3. Local sales from early 2016 until 2020 averaged around 16,000 units annually, matching the numbers achieved in much larger Japanese and US markets.

• Look underneath to ensure a previous owner hasn’t mistaken their AWD version for a serious off-road vehicle.
• Check that the air-conditioning activates quickly and blows cold air.
• Airflow in air-conditioning can cause issues with temperature control.
• Rust arising on wheel-arches and tailgate.
• Infotainment glitches.
• Rough or hesitating transmission, jerking with gear changes.
• Suspension issues causing clunking noise.
• Tapping or ticking sound causing excessive engine noise – fuel injection systems can have issues. Also be wary of excessive noise or smoke from the diesel.

The DK-series Mazda CX-3 appeared on Australian roads from March 2015 and was updated in 2018.

Four trim levels were available, with petrol or turbo-diesel engines. Manual transmission was available but the majority of CX-3s sold here seem to be six-speed automatics. The i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system and the diesel engine were available only in conjunction with automatic transmission.

The basic CX-3 engine was a 2.0-litre inline four-cyclinder, transversely mounted, with fuel injection and overhead camshafts. Maximum power was a conservative 109kW. The diesel produced 77kW but torque was a helpful 270Nm and available from just 1600rpm.

Mazda was praised at the time of the CX-3’s launch for keenly pricing its entry-level Neo. As a six-speed manual costing less than $20,000, this version still offered decent levels of equipment (air-conditioning, a CD player, power windows, cruise control and all-disc brakes) while taking care of occupants via an array of safety features.

Spending an extra $1030 on Mazda’s Safety Pack then added forward collision mitigation, rear cross traffic alert (handy when reversing out of shopping centre parking bays) and blind spot sensors. These features were already standard on the higher-spec Akari.

View the overall market for used CX-3s, though, and it is easy to see that price wasn’t the prime motivator for people buying a new CX-3. More expensive Maxx, Touring and even Akari versions very significantly outnumber the entry-level Neo.

Then check out the popular Maxx and post-2017 Maxx Sport to see how these versions served the majority of CX-3 owners. The Maxx had 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, but just a space-saver spare, a reversing camera with 7.0-inch interactive screen, leather on the steering wheel, gear selector and hand brake, plus sat-nav and an infotainment system.

Climbing $4600 further up the price ladder brought the well-appointed but not particularly popular sTouring version into play. These seem to have been sold primarily in front-wheel drive form, even though adding AWD cost just $2000 more.

Outside the sTouring were 18-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting. Move inside to find a head-up windscreen display, climate-control air-conditioning and keyless entry.

Beginning at $31,290 for a manual front-wheel drive version, the Akari added leather/suede seat facings, a glass sunroof and automatic headlight dipping.

In May 2017, an updated CX-3 reached Australian shores, with minor price increases offset by reductions in road noise and introduction across the range of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) which uses sensors to minimise the chances of a driver failing to stop when the traffic in front does.

Maxx versions, which for 2018 would cost $2400 more than the $20,490 Neo, continued to offer excellent value and now included cross traffic alert and blind spot detection.

An sTouring with AWD and automatic transmission now exceeded $30,000 but did include (very good) fake leather plus traffic sign recognition.

The Akari, which already included lots of collision avoidance equipment, added lane departure warning to its list.

At the time of the CX-3’s local launch, Mazda was still wedded to its ‘Zoom, Zoom’ advertising persona, so the new SUV’s shape and style brought some extra depth to the brand.

If you were someone who really wanted an MX-5 but needed a vehicle to carry four people and fit more into the boot than a picnic basket, then the CX-3 was a viable compromise.

It was compact and a bit sporty, handled well and felt like fun from behind the wheel. But do analyse your needs when deciding which version of the CX-3 to buy.

In front-wheel drive manual form, the Neo was an 1193kg lightweight. Upscale to the AWD Akari, though, and kerb weight (with fuel and engine oils installed) would balloon by 139kg without any extra output from the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine.

If you need snappy acceleration and reduced overtaking exposures, then a 2WD manual-tranny Neo is the obvious choice. If you want all-road competence and lots of features, an Akari will be a bit of a sluggard but comfortable.

Owners of all versions seem to love the elevated driving position and excellent forward vision. The dash is functional but still looks interesting. The touch-screen is big enough to be seen by most people but a bit of a stretch from either front seating position.

Vision isn’t great when reversing or changing lanes, but most CX-3s on the used car market have blind spot warning and a reversing camera.

Buyers with tallish teenagers need to take at least one with them when checking out potential purchases, although the CX-3’s sloped roof doesn’t seem to have a huge influence on headroom.

Watch out when loading though, as the rear hatch provides limited clearance.

Please also do not look upon AWD versions of the CX-3 as compact alternatives to a Toyota RAV4 or even Mazda’s own CX-5.

The CX-3 is not an off-road vehicle and sits way too low (clearance is just 155mm) to pass for one. They will deal with good gravel roads and perhaps the unsealed access track to your friends’ bush block but keep away from beaches or slushy black soil.

Where they do shine is when nipping around suburban streets and tackling those nasty, narrow car park ramps that daunt drivers of more cumbersome SUVs.

Early versions were known to funnel significant amounts of mechanical and road noise through the floor pan and into the cabin; a problem that was addressed, and to an extent fixed, by the updated model that arrived during 2017.

Fuel consumption achieved by the 2.0-litre engine is an excellent 6.7L/100km (city/highway average), while the turbo-diesel averages an outstanding 4.8L/100km.

In today’s market, a five-star ANCAP rating is seen as pretty much mandatory, but it is still worth considering how a vehicle actually performs in tests that lead to the granting of its ranking.

In video of its crash testing, the CX-3 impacts a barrier at the statutory 64km/h, turning everything ahead of the windscreen to shredded metal while not even cracking the screen or creasing the passenger cell. A perfect score in the side impact test also helped the CX-3 achieve a near-perfect 36.44 points from a possible 37, although this was based on testing protocols back in 2015 which are now considered outdated.

Not unless your family is small in number and stature and you’re prepared to upscale your vehicle as the younger children grow.

Certainly, though, for a family without children or whose offspring are smallish, the compact CX-3 is nimble, versatile and good fun.

The boot at 269 litres is small for a car of the CX-3’s size, but the seats can be split-folded to accommodate one passenger or a child seat with space for other items alongside.

• CX-3 recalls commenced in 2016 and included a front suspension fault, fuel pump failures in petrol vehicles and a strange issue which could cause the diesel to run at dangerously high engine speeds.
• Any Mazda dealer can check whether a car you are considering has any unresolved recall issues. Just take a photo of the compliance plate which shows the VIN.
• Check that all control screen functions work and that the air-conditioning does as well.
• CX-3s suffer from critically low ground clearance, so check the front air dam and the sills for damage. This is an especially important precaution with AWD versions that might have foolishly been taken into rough terrain.
• Check service history and nature of repairs carried out during ownership.
• Look for paint repairs covering any rust repairs in lower corner sections of the car.
• Check for abnormal noises on road test.
• Check tyre wear to ensure even.

RedBook Inspect mobile inspectors can take the guesswork out of buying a car with a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

Used vehicle grading for Mazda CX-3 (2015-20)
Design & Function: 16/20
Safety: 18/20
Practicality: 14/20
Value for Money: 14/20
Wow Factor:13/20
Score: 75/100

Also consider: Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mitsubishi ASX, Toyota C-HR