2023 mazda cx3 review Page 6

The 2023 Mazda CX-3 is the small SUV that thinks it’s a hot hatch: sharp steering, tidy handling, and just enough attitude to liven up the school run. Its 2.0‑litre petrol is perky around town and thrifty on fuel, though you’ll wish for more grunt when overtaking uphill with the air-con blasting. Cabin quality is a class act—nice materials, CarPlay/Android Auto, and solid safety tech—yet rear legroom and the boot are, shall we say, cosy.

Ride quality can get fidgety on big wheels, but it’s never crashy, and the whole thing feels screwed together like a proper Mazda. New, they generally sat from the mid-$20Ks to mid-$30Ks AUD depending on trim, with 2023 used examples commonly in the low-$20Ks to low-$30Ks. If you value style, dynamics, and reliability over outright space, it’s a charming little terrier that rarely puts a paw wrong.