Mazda CX-3 Maxx 2017 Review

What’s it all about?
The Maxx is the best-selling variant in Mazda Australia’s newly revised CX-3 compact SUV range, and for good reason.

Priced one rung above the entry-level, and admittedly stripped out CX-3 Neo, the Maxx starts at $22,890 (plus on-road costs) when paired with a six-speed manual, or $24,390 for the six-speed automatic driven here.

Either variant is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 109kW and 192Nm and driving the front wheels. A diesel option is also available, as are all-wheel drive models.

The CX-3 is the entry-model SUV in Mazda’s range, sitting below the larger CX-5 and CX-9. It is marketed at young twenty-somethings, or older buyers looking for added practicality, thanks in part to the car’s elevated ride height.

How much will it cost?
Springing for the $24,390 Maxx gets you a reversing camera, blind spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, 16-inch alloys and a seven-inch colour display with Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment rotary dial (items not available in the entry-level Neo), along with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, satellite navigation, rear parking sensors and push button start.

On the safety front, the CX-3 features six airbags, ABS brakes, stability and traction control, and impressively, autonomous emergency braking – bringing a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The outer rear pews feature ISOFIX child restraint points, while all three rear seats are fitted with a top tether point.

The CX-3 is covered by a three-year, 100,000km warranty, while servicing intervals are set at every 12 months or 10,000kms – more frequent than industry standards. Capped price servicing is advertised.

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
Compared with other SUVs, the Mazda CX-3 is a fun, entertaining and - dare we say it - enjoyable drive.

Approaching the CX-3 as a small hatchback on stilts, Mazda has toppled direct rivals thanks to surprising admirable levels of steering feel, balance and body control. The MacPherson strut front/torsion beam rear suspension is delicately poised through corners, teaming nicely with electrically-assisted power steering.

The small 4.2 metre-long footprint is belied by a planted and secure stance on country roads, with the CX-3 shaking off niggles and larger washouts superbly. Light steering and ease of outward vision ease the burden of driving in the city.

Mazda’s 2.0-litre powerplant feels perky and responsive around the dial, but it does have a propensity to grow in noise as you approach the redline. With peak power chiming in from 6000rpm, and maximum torque available from 2800rpm, the engine seems to grow in confidence with more revs.

All in all, the Mazda CX-3 is refined, composed and mature for a car of this stature. If anything, a digital speedo and Apple Carplay would go a long way in cementing the CX-3 as the go-to option in this segment.

Nevertheless, there are some ergonomic gripes inside the cabin. For one, on longer journeys the driver and front seat passenger could really do with some comfort courtesy of an armrest or centre console.

But far and away the CX-3’s biggest shortcomings are its lack of rear seat space and tight 264-litre boot. With the driver’s seat set to your correspondent’s circa 175cm frame, things were decidedly snug in the rear; really useable for short journeys only.

The lack of space renders the CX-3 virtually useless for carrying five adults in comfort, and we’d also question its functionality with a child seat in the back…the child seat would likely spill onto the middle seat and likely force the front passenger seat forward.

While front seat passengers are afforded two cupholders, two USB points and a 12-volt power outlet, things are more basic in the rear with no face-level air vents…but there are bottle holders in the door pockets.

Another criticism is the CX-3’s ever-present road noise, which becomes particularly burdensome over coarse-chip surfaces. And the car’s high-riding brief isn’t infallible; it is still easy to bottom out when ambling out of steep driveways and there is no downhill descent control, as seen on most off-road variety vehicles.

Who will it appeal to?
Mazda CX-3’s mix of technology and everyday smarts leverages its appeal amongst both young and old…although this is no family car.

It is easy to get in and out of, and its low-set driving position plus excellent outward vision quickly enables drivers to gel with the proportions on offer

So, what do we think?

The recently updated CX-3 is a compelling addition to the Mazda fold, and the Maxx variant stacks up nicely against its siblings.

Yes its long journey amenity is dimmed slightly by limited rear seat space, ever-present road noise and a lack of some creature comforts, but the CX-3 still stands as an enjoyable and pleasant daily driver, with an ability to conquer the odd weekend getaway.

Clearly, Aussie buyers already agree.

2017 Mazda CX-3 Maxx petrol pricing and specifications:
Price: $24,390 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 109kW/192Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.1L/100km (ADR Combined), 8.5L/100km (tested)
CO2: 146g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

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