Mazda CX-3 2020 Review
Mazda CX-3 2020 - Safest Small SUV?
Mazda CX-3 has made the biggest sales in the light SUV category last month with 1,355 sales units sold, earning a 3.6% YOY sales increase despite the pandemic situation.
Stylish and easy to maneuver, which makes it popular among many city dwellers, the car also has impressive safety features. It scored a super-impressive 99% in adult occupant protection, which was the highest score ever reported by the local ANCAP division under its stricter guidelines.
While the international version of Mazda CX-3 is available in a six-speed automatic 1.5-litre petrol engine, the Australian models will only use a 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine.
It can be remembered that Mazda Australia ditched the more economical 1.8-litre turbo-diesel engine for Maxda CX-3 last year because of slow sales.
The National Driveaway Price for the MY2020 Mazda CX-3 model ranges from the entry-level Neo Sport FWD at $24,990 to the top-spec Akari LE AWD at $38,990.
Mazda CX-3 2020 Aggregated Reviews
WhichCar.com.au - 4.5/5
CarsGuide.com.au (Maxx Sport FWD) - 3.5/5 (Daily Driver Score); 4/5 Urban Score
ZigWheels.com.au - 4/5
We Love
- Advanced safety tech
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy to park
- Autonomous Emergency Braking comes as standard
Pain Points
- Small boot space
- Limited legroom in the rear seats
- Smartphone mirroring is optional
- Space-saver spare tyre
- Less economical to drive than the previous model
Exterior
Source: mazdausa.com
Mazda CX-3 is designed with the Japanese carmaker’s signature Kodo design philosophy of using single, flowing lines that create a dynamic look instead of the complex curves of other car brands. These lines match well with the car’s long nose and broad grille.
Smaller than a Mazda 3 hatch while sharing the platform of Mazda 2, the CX-3 is undeniably the former’s SUV version although longer. It has a dimension of 4275mm long, 1765mm wide and 1535mm tall. It also has more ground clearance than other passenger cars at 160mm (unladen).
- The base model Neo Sport has 16-inch steel wheels while Maxx Sport has 16-inch alloy wheels, sTouring and Akari have 18-inch alloy wheels, and top-spec Akari LE has 18-inch bright alloy wheels.
- While Neo Sport and Maxx Sport have halogen headlamps and tail-lamps, the rest of the models use LED lights. sTouring, Akari and Akari LE have an additional daytime running lamps and front fog-lamps. Akari and Akari LE use headlamps adaptive LED (ALH) with auto on/off function.
- The top-spec Akari comes with a sliding glass sunroof to allow driver and passengers enjoy the fresh air and sunshine in style.
Plenty of genuine Mazda accessories are also available to personalise the car.
Interior
Sources: mazda.com.au, mazdausa.com, cars.usnews.com, carwow.co.uk
The smartest vehicles don’t just offer an outstanding drive, they can read what’s ahead. Mazda CX-3 uses a combination of driver-assist technologies and advanced connectivity.
The cabin comes in six choices of interior trims: Black Cloths in two variations, Black Maztex/Cloth, Black Leather, Pure White Leather, and Dark Russet Napa Leather.
The downside, however, is that while there are head-protecting curtain, knee-protecting airbags for the front occupants and chest-protecting side airbags for the second row are lacking. There's also no adaptive cruise control.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Source: mazda.com.au
Mazda Connect’s full-colour screen allows the driver to make calls, receive messages, even play your favourite music without ever taking your hands off the wheel. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a whole new world of digital entertainment is available at fingertips.
Mazda Connect’s built-in satellite navigation system also utilises cutting edge traffic data to help get you there with ease.
The driver-assist technologies ensure a safe time of the road. Standard on the Maxx Sport, sTouring, and Akari models are:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control
- Smart City Brake Support
Meanwhile, safety features including auto headlamps, auto-dipping high beam, daytime running lights, and lane departure warning system are only available on the mid- and top-spec models.
What's it like to drive a Mazda CX-3 2020?
Using a combination of radars, cameras and warnings, Mazda CX-3 always keeps an eye out for you. State of the art technology means you can take on every drive with confidence.
The i-Activ AWD models also use real-time data from 27 different sensors to monitor, predict and respond to even the slightest change in driving conditions. This signifactnly improves traction and grip on the road.
Sources: mazdausa.com, cars.usnews.com
Who’s the Mazda CX-3 2020 for?
The Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport is a great choice for people who live in the busy cities. Its small size makes it easy maneuver and park in tight spaces. It’s also fun to drive, with an engine that’s got plenty of oomph for around town or even on the open road, and its safety tech is excellent for the city.
However, its boot is small, the rear seats have limited legroom, and you might find it will use more fuel than you’d expect from a little car. Its space-saver spare tyre is also not ideal for long-distance driving.
A great alternative to both a car and a big SUV, it's ideal for people with mobility issues and struggles to climb up and down the vehicle.
Tom Caesar is the Managing Director of The Positive Group, a group of Australian financial services companies offering a broad range of finance to clients Australia wide. The Positive Group assist clients in the areas of car finance, mortgages, insurance & wealth management. Tom has been in car & asset finance for over 10 years. Tom regularly contributes articles on car finance, insurance, technology and business growth, drawing on his experience of starting his own brokerage in 2009.