Mazda CX-3
Specs, engines and history
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By Felix Hartmann, Automotive Technology & EV Contributor
- Built
- 2014–present
- Top power
- 110 kW (150 PS)
- Euro NCAP
- 4 stars · 2015
Which CX-3 to buy
Our verdict · Felix Hartmann
- Best all-rounder: a 2018-2021 facelift with the 2.0 G 121 and manual gearbox, the simplest and most common version.
- For snow and hills: the 2.0 G 150 with all-wheel drive, but expect about 7.4 l/100 km.
- For long distances: the 1.8 D 115 from 2018-2020, the most economical CX-3.
The Mazda CX-3 is a small crossover based on the Mazda2 supermini, revealed in November 2014 and sold in Europe from 2015 until the end of 2021. In Europe it had a 2.0-litre petrol engine instead of the turbocharged small engines of most rivals, plus 1.5 and 1.8 diesels, and it was replaced by the larger CX-30. Production continues for other markets in Mexico and Thailand.
In short
- B-segment crossover, model code DK, one generation with a facelift in 2018.
- European engines: 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol with 88-110 kW (120-150 PS), 1.5 and 1.8 Skyactiv-D diesels with 77-85 kW (105-115 PS); all-wheel drive on some versions.
- 4,275 mm long with a 350-litre boot, smaller than most class rivals.
- In Germany prices started at EUR 17,990 in 2015; the last base car cost EUR 21,390 (2020-2022 list, ADAC).
Size at a glance
| Dimensions | Mazda CX-3 DK |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,275 mm168.3 in |
| Width | 1,765 mm69.5 in |
| Height | 1,535 mm60.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm101.2 in |
| Boot | 350 L12.4 cu ft |
Running cost
Fuel · CX-3 DK 2.0 Skyactiv-G 121
about 1,650 EUR fuel a year at 15,000 km
6.2 l/100 km · petrol at 1.75 EUR/l · change mileage, fuel price or version
Specs by version
Engines
| Version | Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Drive | Production years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel · 1 version | ||||||
| 1.8 Skyactiv-D 115 | 1.8 l · 4 cyl · Diesel 1,759 cc | 85 kW 116 PS114 hp | 270 Nm199 lb-ft | 6-sp Manual | Front-wheel drive | 2018–2020 |
| Petrol · 2 versions | ||||||
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 121 | 2.0 l · 4 cyl · Petrol 1,998 cc | 89 kW 121 PS119 hp | 206 Nm152 lb-ft | 6-sp Manual | Front-wheel drive | 2018–2022 |
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 150 AWD | 2.0 l · 4 cyl · Petrol 1,998 cc | 110 kW 150 PS148 hp | 207 Nm153 lb-ft | 6-sp Manual | All-wheel drive | 2018–2020 |
Performance
Show all 3 versions
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Fuel consumption | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel · 1 version | ||||
| 1.8 Skyactiv-D 115 | 9.9 s 0–62 mph | 184 km/h114 mph | 5.2 l/100 km45.2 mpg US · 54.3 mpg UK | 138 g/km |
| Petrol · 2 versions | ||||
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 121 | 9.1 s 0–62 mph | 192 km/h119 mph | 6.2 l/100 km37.9 mpg US · 45.6 mpg UK | 140 g/km |
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 150 AWD | 8.8 s 0–62 mph | 200 km/h124 mph | 7.4 l/100 km31.8 mpg US · 38.2 mpg UK | 166 g/km |
Dimensions and weight
Show all 3 versions
| Version | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Kerb weight | Boot | Fuel tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel · 1 version | |||||||
| 1.8 Skyactiv-D 115 | - | - | - | - | 1,318 kg2,906 lb | 350 l12.4 cu ft | - |
| Petrol · 2 versions | |||||||
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 121 | 4,275 mm168.3 in | 1,765 mm69.5 in | 1,535 mm60.4 in | 2,570 mm101.2 in | 1,254 kg2,765 lb | 350 l12.4 cu ft | 48 l12.7 gal US |
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 150 AWD | - | - | - | - | 1,331 kg2,934 lb | 350 l12.4 cu ft | - |
Verified Manufacturer and type-approval data from our catalog · Sources and methodology
Safety
-
Euro NCAP 2015
Stars from different years and organisations are not directly comparable: test protocols change every few years.
Mazda CX-3 at a glance
| Specification | Mazda CX-3 |
|---|---|
| Segment | B-segment crossover SUV |
| Model code | DK |
| Production | 2014 to date (Japan 2014-2022, Mexico since 2022, Thailand since 2016) |
| Sold in Europe | 2015-2021 |
| Platform | shared with the third-generation Mazda2 (DJ) |
| Body style | five-door crossover, five seats |
| Drive | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive optional |
| Length / wheelbase | 4,275 mm / 2,570 mm |
| Boot | 350 l, 1,260 l with the rear seats folded |
| Designer | Yoichi Matsuda |
Until 2022 the car was built in Japan, at Mazda's Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima and at the Hofu plant. In mid-2022 Japanese production moved to Salamanca in Mexico and to Rayong in Thailand. Other Mazda models are in our Mazda catalogue.
Generations and model history
Mazda revealed the CX-3 on 19 November 2014, just ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show. It has been built in one generation only.
| Generation | Code | Years | Body styles | Engines | Power (kW / PS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 (pre-facelift) | DK | 2015-2018 (Europe) | 5-door crossover | 2.0 petrol, 1.5 diesel | 77-110 kW (105-150 PS) |
| CX-3 (facelift) | DK | 2018-2021 (Europe) | 5-door crossover | 2.0 petrol, 1.8 diesel | 85-110 kW (115-150 PS) |
| CX-3 (other markets) | DK | 2014 to date | 5-door crossover | 1.5 and 2.0 petrol, 1.8 diesel | 82-110 kW (111-150 PS) |
The 2018 facelift added a new split chrome grille, new fog lamps and tail lamps, a centre armrest, more safety equipment, chassis changes and an electronic parking brake in place of the manual handbrake. The 1.5 diesel was replaced by a 1.8 diesel at the same time.
Mazda stopped selling the CX-3 in Europe in December 2021; the CX-30 had already arrived in 2019 as its successor in Europe and North America. In Japan a 1.5-litre petrol version was added on 23 April 2020, and the Japanese CX-3 was withdrawn in 2026 without a successor. Mazda counted 829,843 cars built worldwide by December 2021.
Engines, transmissions and performance
All European engines were naturally aspirated petrol or turbodiesel four-cylinders. Each came with a six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual or a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic.
| Engine (Europe) | Power | Torque | Drive | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 | 88 kW (120 PS) | 204 Nm | FWD | 2015-2018 |
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 121 | 89 kW (121 PS) | 206 Nm | FWD | 2018-2022 |
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G 150 (i-ELOOP) | 110 kW (150 PS) | 207 Nm | AWD | 2015-2020 |
| 1.5 Skyactiv-D 105 | 77 kW (105 PS) | 270 Nm | FWD or AWD | 2015-2018 |
| 1.8 Skyactiv-D 115 | 85 kW (115 PS) | 270 Nm | FWD or AWD | 2018-2020 |
In Germany the 110 kW (150 PS) petrol came only with all-wheel drive. ADAC lists these factory figures for the facelifted car:
| Version | 0-100 km/h | Top speed | WLTP consumption | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 G 121, manual, FWD | 9.1 s | 192 km/h (119 mph) | 6.2 l/100 km | 140 g/km |
| 2.0 G 150, manual, AWD | 8.8 s | 200 km/h (124 mph) | 7.4 l/100 km | 166 g/km |
| 1.8 D 115, manual, FWD | 9.9 s | 184 km/h (114 mph) | 5.2 l/100 km | 138 g/km |
Dimensions, space and boot
| Parameter | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,275 mm | 168.3 in |
| Width (without mirrors) | 1,765 mm | 69.5 in |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 60.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 101.2 in |
| Boot, seats up / folded | 350 / 1,260 l | 12.4 / 44.5 cu ft |
| Kerb weight (2.0 G 121) | 1,254 kg | 2,765 lb |
| Fuel tank | 48 l | 12.7 US gal |
The CX-3 is 122 mm longer than a 2026 SEAT Arona but has a smaller boot: 350 litres against 400. Its successor, the CX-30, is 120 mm longer again and has 430 litres. To check whether it fits your parking space, use the garage fit tool.
Fuel economy and running costs
The naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol engine used more fuel than the small turbo petrols of many rivals: 6.2 l/100 km WLTP for the front-drive 89 kW (121 PS) version and 7.4 l/100 km for the 110 kW (150 PS) all-wheel-drive car. The 1.8 diesel was the economy choice at 5.2 l/100 km. In Germany Mazda gave a three-year or 100,000 km warranty on the CX-3 (ADAC).
Trims and equipment
German trims were Prime-Line, Center-Line, Exclusive-Line and Sports-Line, plus special editions such as Kangei, Homura, Selection and the 100th Anniversary model of 2020.
| Version (Germany) | Price | Year of list |
|---|---|---|
| Skyactiv-G 120 Prime-Line | EUR 17,990 | 2015 |
| Skyactiv-G 150 Kizoku Intense AWD automatic | EUR 30,290 | 2017 |
| Skyactiv-G 121 (base) | EUR 21,390 | 2020-2022 |
| Skyactiv-G 121 Homura automatic | EUR 26,240 | 2020-2022 |
In the United States the 2016 car came with a rear camera, Bluetooth and the Mazda Connect system with a 7-inch screen as standard.
Safety: Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP tested the CX-3 in 2015 and gave it four stars. Overall protection was good, but autonomous emergency braking was only an option with an expected low take-up, which held the car back from a fifth star. In the United States the IIHS named the 2016 CX-3 a Top Safety Pick+. All tests are collected in our safety section.
Reliability and known issues
The ADAC breakdown statistics show 7 breakdowns per 1,000 cars for CX-3s registered in 2016 and 2017, 9.2 for 2018 and 8 for 2019, and name no recurring fault. We have no other sourced reliability data to report.
Rivals
| Model | Engines | Power (kW / PS) | Boot (l) | Price from (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-3 | 2.0 petrol, 1.8 diesel | 85-110 kW (115-150 PS) | 350 | 21,390 (2020-2022) |
| SEAT Arona | 1.0 and 1.5 TSI, 1.0 TGI | 66-110 kW (90-150 PS) | 400 | 21,480 (2021) |
| Jeep Renegade | 1.0 and 1.3 petrol, diesels, PHEV | 88-177 kW (120-240 PS) | 351 | 20,700 (2018) |
| Audi Q2 | 1.0 to 2.0 TFSI, TDI | 81-140 kW (110-190 PS) | 405 | 28,150 (2020) |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2.0 petrol, 1.8 diesel | 85-137 kW (116-186 PS) | 430 | 27,290 (2019-2024) |
Prices are German list prices from ADAC for the year shown. The CX-30, one size up, took over the CX-3's role in Europe.
Photo gallery
Mazda CX-3 in our rankings
- No. 17 of 144 · Lightest SUVs and crossovers (1,254 kg · top 12%)
- No. 35 of 198 · Smallest SUVs and crossovers (4,275 mm · top 18%)
- No. 94 of 391 · Lightest cars (1,254 kg · top 25%)
- No. 72 of 297 · Most economical cars (5.2 l/100 km · top 26%)
- No. 139 of 531 · Smallest cars (4,275 mm · top 27%)
- No. 25 of 101 · Most economical SUVs and crossovers (5.2 l/100 km · top 28%)
Lighter than 88% of ranked SUVs and crossovers in the 1CARS catalog (No. 17 of 144).
FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 still sold in Europe?
No. European sales ended in December 2021; the CX-30 replaced it. The CX-3 is still built in Mexico and Thailand for other markets.
How big is the Mazda CX-3 boot?
350 litres with the rear seats up and 1,260 litres with them folded.
Does the CX-3 have four-wheel drive?
Yes, as an option. In Germany the 110 kW (150 PS) petrol was all-wheel drive only, and some diesels could also be ordered with AWD.
How safe is the Mazda CX-3?
Euro NCAP gave it four stars in 2015, mainly because automatic emergency braking was not standard.
What replaced the Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-30, launched in 2019, which is 120 mm longer and has a 430-litre boot.
Data sources
Data checked by an editor against the sources below.
