Used Mazda CX-3 for sale near Cheltenham

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 140
Average Price: Around £10,250

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2021) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Attractive looks	Not as roomy in the back or boot as some rivals
Reasonably strong engines	Doesn't drive with the verve you'd expect of a Mazda
Well equipped as standard	A Skoda Kamiq has a more comfortable ride

Quick Summary

The Mazda CX-3 (2015-2021) is a stylish compact SUV that combines attractive exterior design with practical everyday usability. Launched during the small crossover SUV boom, it competes in a crowded segment alongside popular rivals such as the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, and Seat Arona. The CX-3 features a sleek exterior and comes well equipped as standard with features including cruise control, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, and hill-hold assist across the range. However, the cabin lacks the visual appeal of its exterior, with some cheaper plastics and a somewhat dull overall impression compared to rivals like the Volkswagen T-Cross.

The CX-3 offers three capable engines: a 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel delivering around 55mpg in real-world driving, and two 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol units achieving approximately 40-46mpg depending on specification. Running costs are reasonable, with insurance groups ranging from 13 to 18, and Mazda offers fixed-price service plans. The 350-litre boot is average for the class, expanding to 1,260 litres with rear seats folded. Whilst the driving position is adjustable and the infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the CX-3 disappoints with less engaging handling than expected from Mazda, a firm ride, and limited rear headroom compared to some competitors.

Best for: Buyers seeking an attractively styled compact SUV with strong engines, good standard equipment, and reasonable running costs, particularly those prioritising exterior design and affordability.

Not ideal for: Those needing maximum rear passenger space or boot capacity, drivers expecting engaging Mazda-like handling, or buyers wanting the most comfortable ride in the compact SUV class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CX-3 if: You're seeking an attractively styled compact SUV with strong engines, good standard equipment, and reasonable running costs, particularly if exterior design and affordability are priorities.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear passenger space or boot capacity, expect engaging handling, or require the most comfortable ride in the compact SUV class.

Competitive Position: The Mazda CX-3 (2015-2021) is a solid contender in the compact SUV market, offering attractive styling and good value. Whilst it excels in exterior design and standard equipment, it falls short of rivals like the Seat Arona and Renault Captur in terms of ride comfort and interior practicality. The Nissan Juke offers higher user satisfaction, whilst the Arona and Captur provide superior overall ratings. For budget-conscious buyers prioritising style and equipment over space and handling, the CX-3 remains a sensible choice, though competitors offer more rounded packages in this competitive segment.

Read our full Mazda CX-3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.