Everything you need to know about the Mazda CX-3
Some of its sales success may have come at the expense of the Mazda3 range, but there’s no denying that the Mazda CX-3 is an appealing small crossover with merits of its own. Let’s take a closer look at the CX-3, identify its strong suits, and see which competitors it faces in the marketplace.
In this article:
Who is the Mazda CX-3 a good car for?
What is the Mazda CX-3 like to drive?
Tech features in the Mazda CX-3
Similar cars to the Mazda CX-3
Is the Mazda CX-3 a good car?
It’s better to view the Mazda CX-3 as a small SUV/coupé crossover, because it lacks some of the practical aspects expected of a real SUV. It’s good to drive and comes with plenty of up-to-date tech features, though, and it looks a lot more upmarket than its pricetag would have you believe.
Who is the Mazda CX-3 a good car for?
The Mazda CX-3 is a good car for upwardly-mobile singles or couples, or even parents whose children have flown the coop. It’s not an off-roader or a spacious luggage-carrier, so the truly adventurous, young families or those who frequently travel with above-average-sized companions shouldn’t apply.
Is the Mazda CX-3 a good first car?
Power steering makes the Mazda CX-3 fairly easy to drive, but restricted sightlines from the driver’s seat may be intimidating for novice drivers. On the upside, safety features are strong across the range, and parking sensors from the mid-level trim upwards will alleviate some of the visibility issues.
Is the Mazda CX-3 a good family car?
Not really. Its luggage compartment is very small, and rear seating space is limited for even average-sized occupants. It works better with the rear seats folded away to liberate more luggage volume, but then it can’t carry anyone in the back.
Is there a hybrid Mazda CX-3?
Mazda doesn’t sell any hybrid models in South Africa (yet), so the only CX-3 you can find will be equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol power unit.
View the latest new and used Mazda CX-3 cars for sale in South Africa here.
What’s it like to drive?
This is a modern-day Mazda, so the first thing that will strike enthusiastic drivers is that the CX-3 has highly-polished driving dynamics. There’s plenty of road grip and accurate steering, and the CX-3’s fluent handling resists under- and oversteer up to high limits. The standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine (used across the range) is eager to rev and deliver 115 kW and 206 Nm, and well-chosen ratios in the 6-speed gearboxes (manual or automatic) makes it easy to get up to speed.
Reviewer's opinion
Despite its age, and the fact that the CX-30 now exists, the CX-3 still holds up well from an interior and exterior design perspective. – Sean Nurse, AutoTrader
Read the full Mazda CX-3 review here.
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the Mazda CX-3 like inside?
Comfortable front seats and a clean (almost minimalist) interior design creates a soothing ambience. Trim quality is high throughout the car, and the infotainment system is easy to operate via the centrally-mounted controller knob. It’s extremely cramped in the rear seating area, however, so those passengers will complain more loudly about the lack of space than they will praise the pleasing appearance and nice materials all round.
Style
Horisontal design elements abound on the dashboard, creating an impression of space and simplicity. The only slightly discordant element is the infotainment screen’s placement on top of the dashboard, but that’s par for the course nowadays. Ergonomics are good overall, and assembly quality is top-notch. Mazda aimed for a premium appearance and feel in the CX-3’s interior, and succeeded in this quest.
Tech features
- MZD Connect 7-inch infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Internet radio integration (Pandora, Stitcher, Aha)
- Integrated navigation
- Parking sensors front and rear
- Reverse camera
- Adaptive LED headlamps
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
* Features are dependent on trim level.
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest Mazda CX-3?
The cheapest Mazda CX-3 is the entry-level “Active” trim, with prices starting from R 351 900 with a manual transmission.
Search the latest new and used Mazda CX-3 deals in South Africa
How much does it cost?
|
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active manual |
R 351 900 |
|
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active automatic |
R 372 000 |
|
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Dynamic manual |
R 384 700 |
|
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Dynamic automatic |
R 398 800 |
|
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Individual automatic |
R 457 700 |
|
Mazda CX-3 2.0 Hikari automatic |
R 476 700 |
Vehicles are sold with a 3 year/unlimited distance warranty, and a 3 year/unlimited distance service plan as standard.
* Pricing was accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change without prior notice. Base prices excluding options.
Competitors
Similar cars to the Mazda CX-3
Hyundai Venue
Read our latest Hyundai Venue reviews.
Search the latest new and used Hyundai Venues for sale in South Africa.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Read our latest Volkswagen T-Cross reviews.
Search the latest new and used Volkswagen T-Cross for sale in South Africa.
Toyota C-HR
Read our latest Toyota C-HR reviews.
Search the latest new and used Toyota C-HR for sale in South Africa.
