Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve 2024 Review

The five-door, five-seat 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve sits smack-bang in the middle of the five-variant range at $31,200 before on-road costs (ORCs).

The other grades comprise the $26,950 Sport, $29,450 Pure, $34,450 Touring SP and $38,770 Akari – all prices exclude ORCs.

Powering the CX-3 exclusively is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine developing 110kW and 195Nm. Power is sent to the MacPherson strut front end via a six-speed automatic transmission, while the CX-3 is also suspended by a torsion beam at the rear.

The Evolve trim level features 18-inch alloys as standard, along with LED head- and tail-lights, climate control, an 8.0-inch infotainment touch-screen, Maztex upholstery with suede inserts on the seats and dash, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite navigation and USB-A ports.

The Soul Red hue of the test car is a $595 option, which is significantly price from the price asked when the hero colour was introduced.

Given the CX-3 was last tested for crash safety in 2015, the five-star ANCAP safety rating no longer applies and the CX-3 is unrated. Still, some of the active safety system highlights include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, driver attention detection, head-up display, parking sensors, reversing camera and six airbags.

The CX-3 is covered by Mazda’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that also comes with five years of roadside assist. Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), with the first seven years of workshop visits totalling $3165 – or $452 each, on average.

It seems odd to pinpoint dynamics as the main strong suit of a light SUV, but the 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve is a tidy handler. It feels like a hatchback with some extra ride height – which is essentially the case.

So it’s fine on the road, but don’t leave the bitumen. With only front-wheel drive and 155mm of ground clearance, the CX-3 is not really designed for off-roading.

Clearly, being based on the third generation Mazda2 platform and originating back in 2014 isn’t hampering the CX-3 in the face of modern competition. The steering is sharp and the body is controlled when cornering as it remains flat and composed.

It isn’t a powerhouse or especially economical, but the ‘big block’ 2.0 litre engine revs freely – something you can see clearly via the oversize tacho in the centre of the largely analogue instrument cluster. Performance is relatively energetic for a light SUV, due in no small part to the 1294kg kerb weight.

Inside, the CX-3 Evolve has continually, ahem, evolved throughout its lifespan. The vegan-friendly Maztex ‘leather’ is soft and while the caramel-on-cream colour combo might not be to everyone’s taste, it does a good job lifting the overall aesthetic into line with Mazda’s premium push.

Getting comfortable behind the wheel is easy, with enough adjustment in the seat and wheel (rake and reach adjustment). It’s ergonomically sound, too, with physical controls not yet making way for more modern touch-screens. The instrument cluster is refreshingly simple, but you do get a handy digital speed readout.

All in all, the CX-3 G20 Evolve is easy to live with, offering stylish and pragmatic appeal for couples, young families and empty nesters alike.

It’s hard to avoid the fact that the 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve sidesteps forced induction or hybridisation. In a modern context, the Skyactiv-G engine is looking a little outdated.

Despite an official claim of 6.3L/100km, our week of testing couldn’t get close to that, with the figure coming in at 7.2L/100km. The 1998cc unit does run on cheaper 91 RON fuel (as well as E10), while the 48-litre tank offers the potential for a maximum driving range of 873km.

The relatively large displacement of the engine, especially for the class, doesn’t result in an abundance of torque. Surprisingly, the Skyactiv-G unit isn’t lazy and likes to rev – and it needs to rev, given peak power arrives at 6000rpm. It also becomes quite vocal when doing so.

Apart from a ride quality that errs on the firm side and general NVH levels that are slightly higher at speed, there isn’t much to moan about in terms of the CX-3’s driving experience. ‘Zoom Zoom’ lives on.

Mazda has started rolling out touch-enabled screens for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that can be operated on the move for some of its models, but the CX-3 isn’t one of those. And despite gaining upgraded infotainment, the operating system remains the older spec MZD Connect system.

This means touching is only available while static and you must use the control wheel when driving. This process is a chore when mirroring your smartphone, but remains more intuitive for the native infotainment. A further sign of the CX-3’s age is a lack of wireless phone charging and the absence of USB-C ports.

The CX-3 is more couple friendly than family friendly in terms of luggage capacity, at just 264 litres. Still, there’s a false floor that can be lowered to access the full load space, with a space-saver spare fitted. Stow the 60/40-split folding rear seats, creating a flat load bay, and the figure increases to 1174 litres.

Rear-seat legroom is also tight, and is where the Mazda2 underpinnings are most felt. If the front-seat passengers are accommodating, adults can sit in the back. However, there are no rear air vents, USB-A or USB-C ports and only one map pocket (on the passenger side).

One of the 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve’s greatest qualities is that it’s a proven product. While that might seem to damn the CX-3 with faint praise, fuss-free motoring is an appreciable asset to anyone buying in the light SUV segment. As an ownership proposition, you’ll be unlikely to encounter nasty surprises.

Ultimately, the G20 Evolve proves to be a compelling spec level, too, with just about all the mod-cons the market demands without an exorbitant price. Despite entering its twilight years, the little Mazda CX-3 remains popular for all the right reasons.

2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve at a glance:
Price: $31,200 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 110kW/195Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 146g/km (ADR Combined or WLTP if overseas model)
Safety rating: Unrated

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