Mazda CX-3 2021 Range Review

With more than 25 light and small SUVs from the mainstream brands now on the market, and another 10 from the premium marques, consumers are spoilt for choice.

But choosing can be tricky and sometimes confusing.

Once you’ve narrowed down which car is right for you, you need to decide on the model variant that best meets your needs – and your budget.

Our range reviews break down the commonalities between variants and the all-important differences that can see an entry-level and top-spec variant divided by many thousands of dollars.

Drawing on the collective experience of the carsales team we break it down for you and reveal the model variant that we consider to be the pick of the pack.

The Mazda CX-3 is a five-seat, city-sized light SUV based on the same platform as the Mazda2 light hatch.

First entering showrooms in 2015, the CX-3 is the smallest, and hence the most affordable, SUV from the Japanese car-maker.

The CX-3 proved in immediate sales success for Mazda Down Under, finding more than 100,000 new homes since launch at an average of more than 15,500 sales per year. In its first full year on sale, 2016, it racked up more than 18,300 sales.

Earlier this year, it was treated to a major upgrade to keep it fresh.

As far as competitors go, the CX-3 is likely to be cross-shopped with light and small SUVs priced under $40,000.

In this league, there are now a vast number of rivals from which to choose, including newcomers to the light/small SUV segments such as the Ford Puma, Kia Stonic, Hyundai Venue, MG ZS, Skoda Kamiq, Toyota Yaris Cross, Volkswagen T-Cross and Volkswagen T-Roc.

Then there’s a variety of slightly more established players such as the Toyota C-HR, Nissan QASHQAI, Mitsubishi ASX and, not least of all, the Hyundai Kona.

In fact, we’ve just lined up 12 of the top contenders in our Best Small SUV 2021 mega-test.

We’ve put the Mazda CX-3 through its paces in various settings over the years, from testing its snow legs in New Zealand to the relentless red dirt of the Simpson Desert, which was a true testament to Mazda’s versatile all-wheel drive system.

Life in the suburbs – perhaps it’s main purpose – is a walk in the park for this city-friendly car.

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 range currently has 14 permanent members spanning four model grades – Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, sTouring and Akari. There are also better-equipped ‘LE’ versions of Maxx Sport and Akari.

There’s a six-speed automatic or manual transmission available, plus the choice of either front- or all-wheel drive, all using the same petrol engine.

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a simple equation where engines are concerned – it’s powered by a sole 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 110kW and 195Nm.

This SkyActiv-G powertrain has automatic engine idle-stop technology, runs on regular unleaded (91 RON) petrol and carries a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 6.3-6.7L/100km, depending on the variant.

You can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission across several variants, but not all, with manual limited to four front-wheel drive models: Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, sTouring and Akari.

Ditto for the choice between front- and all-wheel drive; AWD is limited to the auto versions of Maxx Sport, sTouring, Akari and Akari LE.

The CX-3 measures 4275mm long and 1765mm wide, it weighs up to 1371kg in AWD guise and has a 1200kg braked towing capacity.

The CX-3 brings fit-for-purpose performance to the light SUV category, delivering power and pace comparable to its most honest rivals.

With only one engine to speak of, it’s essentially equipment levels that define the individual variants of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 range.

The entry-level Neo Sport spans two models priced from $22,890 (manual) and $24,890 (auto), plus on-road costs.

Sitting in the CX-3 Neo Sport doesn’t feel particularly basic, but for the well-researched buyer the tell-tale signs exist. There’s a lot of hard plastics, cloth trim, manual-adjust seats and a basic air-con system that adequately services the cabin via four directional air vents. It sets a basic, budget tone.

You will, however, find Mazda’s updated 7.0-inch colour touch-screen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, digital radio and a six-speaker sound system common to all CX-3 models. 

Also standard across the CX-3 range is keyless entry and push-button start and an electric park brake with auto-hold function, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and six airbags.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with night-time pedestrian detection is standard on all CX-3s, with the safety suite growing as you climb the ranks.

Second-row seats are comfortable – great for two, but tight for three. There’s one seat-back pocket, a roof-mounted light and small in-door storage. There are no dedicated rear air vents and no charge points in this area.

Two ISOFIX positions and three top tether child seat anchors are standard, making the little SUV fit for new and growing family needs.

Other features unique to the entry-level Neo Sport are 16-inch steel wheels and cloth trim upholstery.

Next in line is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport which consists of four variants and brings the choice of front- or all-wheel drive as well as manual or automatic transmission and is priced from $24,890 to $28,890 plus ORCs.

Again, auto transmission adds $2000, while (auto-only) AWD adds another $2000 as well.

It’s currently the top-selling variant of the CX-3 clan, with the Maxx Sport FWD auto accounting for almost 50 per cent of sales.

Notably, this is where not only the level of equipment changes, but the cabin ambience changes too. It feels like it’s here that the value equation gains momentum and an elevated design aesthetic prevails. Cabin tactility lifts with leather and Alcantara trim upholstery and a leather-clad steering wheel and transmission shifter.

In addition to the Neo Sport you graduate to 16-inch alloys, auto headlights, climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, dual-speed rain-sensing wipers and an overhead sunglasses storage spot.

The second-row occupants benefit from a folding centre arm rest.

The Maxx Sport LE FWD (from $27,640) gets unique alloys, gloss exterior details and an upholstery upgrade.

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 sTouring (not pictured) feels like a stop gap on your way to the top-spec Akari. The three variants – manual and auto FWD and auto AWD – are priced from $29,090 to $33,090 plus ORCs.

The majority of its additions are less obvious to the eye, but no less important.

In addition to the Maxx Sport the sTouring gets 18-inch alloys, power mirrors with heating and folding function, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lights, headlights and tail-lights, high beam control, premium cloth upholstery, advanced keyless entry, driver attention alert, front parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and a head-up display.

Overall cabin ambience is on par with the Maxx Sport.

The top-spec 2021 Mazda CX-3 Akari has all the bells and whistles – but that doesn’t mean it’s the best value for money.

It’s priced from $34,190 to $38,190 plus ORCs – again, across manual and auto FWD and auto AWD variants – while the Akari LE is available in front- or all-wheel drive at $36,690 and $38,690 plus ORCs respectively.

Changes to the cabin feel are noticeable, but they don’t scream ‘I’m better’ as convincingly or loudly as its price increase would have you believe.

In addition to the sTouring you also get an electric glass sunroof, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory, heated front seats, black or pure white leather upholstery and adaptive LED headlights.

If you’re using your CX-3 for long hauls on the freeway you may decide additions in driver assist technology such as adaptive cruise with start-stop function are worth the coin.

A 360-degree camera kicks in here, too, but we reckon it’s not as much of a necessity on a vehicle of these proportions and with good outward vision like we find on the CX-3.

For the extra coin, the Akari LE has bright-finished alloys and interior trim and upholstery upgrades.

Although technically a light SUV, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 has price points and dimensions that will see it cross-shopped with a multitude of small SUVs too.

The CX-3’s 2.0-litre engine is fit for purpose and the choice of a manual or automatic transmission as well as front- and all-wheel drive will cater to a variety of buyers.

Diesel options are a rarity in this segment, so the CX-3’s petrol-only proposition doesn’t feel like a limitation although the engine isn’t the most refined unit in its class. It’s relatively frugal, recording an average combined consumption of between 6.3-6.7L/100km, depending on the variant.

As we’ve found time and again, the CX-3 strikes an excellence balance between ride and handling.

Heading out of town? The CX-3’s official boot capacity is 264 litres, which falls short of the Mitsubishi ASX’s 393 litres and the Hyundai Venue at 355L. 

In practical terms it equates to a small suitcase, a couple of overnight bags, a small pram and even a toddler bike. Beyond those dimensions you’re tapping into the second-row space – fold the seats flat for an increase to 1174L.

Opening at $22,890 and topping out at $38,690 (plus on-road costs), there’s a generous $15,000 spread across the 2021 Mazda CX-3 range that makes you think carefully about where exactly the best value sits.

As with all things, the devil is in the detail and what matters to you as an owner.

With the CX-3 poised predominantly for city-based duties, it feels reasonable to suggest features such as adaptive cruise control may be a nice-to-have rather than a necessity.

Likewise for lane departure warnings and a 360-degree camera, which suggests the sweet spot for the CX-3’s 14-model range sits somewhere around the Maxx Sport offering ($24,890-$28,890).

At this grade and above (sTouring and Akari) the range offers more choice – an all-wheel drive option (adding $2000 to the equation) and a high-specified LE trim level (+$750).

Overall, the CX-3 range is well equipped so you will not fall victim to price creep as you tick costly options boxes – there really aren’t any, except for three premium paint choices that cost $495, should you not be happy with one of the five standard paint colours.

There are some cool accessories you may not be able to resist though – pet-friendly rear seat covers ($394.09), rear seat device holders ($218.98), a washable boot liner/cargo tray ($159), scuff plates ($298.95) or alloy pedal covers (from $354.24).

A five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years’ roadside assist are short of best in class, but still competitive. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a solid performer, benefiting from a gutsy 2.0-litre engine and a fit-for-purpose ride and handling package.

Safety kit is good even at the entry-level Neo Sport, but where cabin ambience and nice-to-haves are concerned we feel the need to step beyond the base packaging.

The jump to the Maxx Sport variant could cost you up to $6000 extra for the all-wheel-drive auto but it feels like the sensible place to invest.

In the middle of this model grade we find the Maxx Sport FWD auto at $26,890 plus on-road costs, which costs $4000 more than the cheapest CX-3 and a considerable $11,800 less than the range-topping CX-3 Akari LE AWD auto.

The Maxx Sport FWD auto delivers a modern and intuitive infotainment interface, good safety and driver assist technology, and a premium cabin finish.

We can’t deny the benefit of additional safety equipment on the sTouring and Akari, but the value equation within the CX-3 line-up, and relative to its competitors, is at its strongest in the well-equipped Maxx Sport variant.

It’s our pick of the pack.

How much does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 cost?
Price: $22,890 to $38,690 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 110kW/195Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual/six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.3-6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 143-151g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)