CXY 3 (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mazdacx3_2015

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 42

Though hardly the most affordable choice in this sector, Mazda's CX-3 is cleverer, faster, more stylish and better to drive than most cars of the Juke-genre from the 2015-2019 period. But does it make sense as a used buy? Let's find out.

Modelsword count: 6

5-door small SUV [1.5, 2.0 petrol]

Historyword count: 146

Launched in 2015, the CX-3 was a model very much in tune with this Japanese brand's vision for the period of what automotive design should be - a so-called 'SKYACTIV' philosophy that was all about creating cars that were light, efficient, pretty and, above all else, fun to drive. In the metal, it looks an energetic little thing and from launch, Mazda promised us it would drive that way too. This was the first small Crossover to match the class-leadingly agile Nissan Juke in that respect. All of this was underlined by connectivity and cabin quality carried over from the little Mazda2 this model was based upon. From new, CX-3 ownership came with premium pricing and most original sales were of a petrol model with an engine much larger than buyers were used to seeing in this segment. The car sold until the end of 2019.

What You Getword count: 404

All too often, Crossovers in this class look too gawky, stubby, tall and narrow, with strange, 'hall of mirrors' dimensions. In contrast, this CX-3 just looks right thanks to its cab-back body and long bonnet proportions. The overall effect is anything but cutesy and the coupe-like roofline gives it a real sporting stance. Behind the wheel, it's obvious just how much of this design is derived from the brand's little Mazda2 supermini. Everything around you is familiar from that little hatch but the key difference with this CX-3 is this Crossover model's 50mm-higher driver's eyeline, delivering the loftier driving position and better all-round visibility that customers in this segment expect. For us though, it's the seats that are most important here, height-adjustable of course and carefully designed for excellent support. In short, getting comfortable in this Mazda is as easy as you could ever imagine it would be in a car of this diminutive size. Once you've completed that process and taken a look around, there are a few things that'll stand out. First up is the deeply-cowled motorcycle-style central dial. The other defining interior feature lies not in what's included but in what's been left out. There's no centre stack dividing the front of the cabin - so no mid-mounted display screen or stereo system. That infotainment display has been re-sited onto the very top of the dash where it's placed more precisely into your field of vision. There's certainly a greater feeling of spaciousness than there would be in a Mazda2, courtesy of a bit of extra roof height (this car's 40mm taller than its supermini counterpart) and the fact that the seats have been placed further apart. Parents will find that makes turning round to their rear-seated offspring that little bit easier. Talking of a seat in the rear, well two adults will be certainly be fine here, thanks in part to the efforts made by the designers in creating the slimmer front seatbacks that feature concave sculpting that frees up space for your knees. If you need more room than that, then you probably need to try the brand's slightly larger CX-5. The same comment applies when it comes to cargo space. Lift the light tailgate and this CX-3's 350-litre boot is inevitably dwarfed by the 503-litre capacity offered by its larger stablemate, but that total is sufficient to match the modest standards set by the class leader, Nissan's Juke.

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