2022 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport review

This Mazda has been one of the best selling compact SUVs in the country for the best part of a decade. We find out why.

The Mazda CX-3 has been one of the best selling small SUVs since it first went on sale about eight years ago. We find out if it’s still up for the task after all these years.

Here is everything you need to know about the Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport.

VALUE

The best car in a given model range is occasionally the cheapest or most expensive. But on balance, there’s usually a sweet spot somewhere near the middle. Mazda’s CX-3 Maxx Sport is one of those cars.

The Mazda CX-3 has proved popular with Aussie buyers. Shot by Thomas Wielecki.

Priced upstream from the entry-level CX-3, the Maxx Sport adds modern essentials (sat nav and automatic headlights), important safety features (blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts) and nice-to-have features (alloy wheels and, climate control) to the relatively basic standard model.

Yours for about $29,000 drive-away, it has the same 2.0-litre engine as top-end models, but misses out on luxuries such as LED headlights, a powered sunroof or russet-coloured nappa leather.

COMFORT

Mazda’s baby SUV feels increasingly dated in the face of competition with digital dashboards, wireless phone charging, and other features. This Maxx Sport is the second model in Mazda’s six-tier CX-3 range, but it doesn’t feel cheap. You get a leather steering wheel and gear knob, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, smart keys, an electronic parking brake and other niceties missing from cheaper alternatives.

The interior is starting to show its age. Shot by Thomas Wielecki.

Plain black cloth seats are a cheaper touch, but we’d wager that they will weather years of motoring in better condition than the tan suede or pure white leatherette pews in more expensive versions.

Show-offs might point to the suave 18-inch wheels on range-topping versions, but the 16-inch rims on the Maxx Sport deliver a more comfortable ride – and the rubber will be cheaper to replace, too.

Accommodation in the rear is on the cosy side, though, and there’s not much in the way of luggage space for growing families.

SAFETY

The Maxx Sport’s blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts represent important safety additions over the standard CX-3. We’d swap this car’s dead-ordinary halogen headlamps for the adaptive LED units found on high-end CX-3 Akari models, though. Lane-keeping assistance and a 360-degree parking camera would be nice too, but aren’t so fussed by the lack of active cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. The CX-3 hasn’t been crash tested by ANCAP since 2015, when it scored a strong result.

It’s a pleasant drive by small SUV standards. Pics by Thomas Wielecki

DRIVING

The CX-3 is more fun to drive than most cars in this class but that’s a bit like having a favourite flavour of toothpaste; no baby crossover will have you setting an early morning alarm to set out on a drive for the sake of it. This is one of the oldest models in the Mazda range, and feels a little dated, both in its cabin and under the bonnet. The hardworking 2.0-litre engine is noisy compared with smaller turbo alternatives, though the six-speed auto is hard to fault.

Wind and road noise is louder than grown-up Mazdas (or Euro rivals), although the ride is more comfortable than some dearer alternatives. The high-profile tyres take away some of the cornering precision delivered by more expensive models with bigger wheels.

VERDICT 3/5

The sweet spot in Mazda’s CX-3 range is worth a look, but we would lean toward the more polished Mazda3 hatch.

ALTERNATIVES

Hyundai Kona, from $29,490 drive-away

Broad range has many different options, including electric and performance models.

Skoda Kamiq, from $36,990 drive-away

Dearer thanks to several price rises in a short space of time, but well equipped and full of clever touches.

Mazda3, from $30,750 drive-away

It might not have the desirable SUV shape but it’s better to drive and better equipped for less money.

MAZDA CX-3 MAXX SPORT VITALS

Price: About $29,000 drive-away

Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl 110kW and 195Nm

Warranty/Service: 5-year, unlimited km, about $1800 for 5 years

Safety: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert

Thirst: 6.3L/100km

Boot: 264 litres

Spare: Space saver

Originally published as 2022 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport review