I'm a Mazda 3 owner, and i'd still go for the mazda 3 hatchback - it provides most of the utility of the CX-3, and its a compact vs sub-compact CX-3. I prefer a sportier drive, and the mazda 3 provides that, plus it looks better (cx-3 looks great - for a subcompact suv).

 

The lack of a manual trans option on the CX-3 took even our considering it off the table for our needs. However, I spent a fair amount of time looking at the CX-3 last month at an auto show and it was very, very nice.

 

I had a brand new CX-3 Grand Touring as a loaner once and I loved it
The styling, the way it drives, the taller driving position and ease of entry was awesome
Also, I felt it was much easier to drive and park because it was smaller
The LED headlights and fog lights were amazing, but now the refreshed 3 GT also comes with them now
The seats were extremely comfortable because the outer bolstering was leather and the center portion was a suede material - it also looked very good
Also, I'm not sure if it was because of that suede material, but the heated seat function worked much faster than on my 3

But now the negatives;
Rear seat legroom is pretty bad, worse than the 3
The center arm rest was my biggest complaint, it's terrible... feels like an afterthought, it's just a hard padded piece of plastic that moves up or down
In fact, the pre production model didn't have a center arm rest at all
If you're using it, you really can't use the center control knob at all because it sits right ontop of it
On the 3, you can comfortably be resting your arm on the center console and still use the center control knob
If you move the arm rest up if you don't want to use it, it STILL gets in your way because you can't move your elbow back!
If I owned one I would end up ripping it off the car

 

I have the 3 and have test driven the CX-3 just because it looked so damn sharp on the showroom floor. The first thing I noticed was the ease getting in and out due to the increased ride height. However, getting in and out of the rear could be more difficult due to a narrower opening. When I sat inside the cabin felt more cramped and visibility was less than in my 3. In fact the interior looked awfully familiar - it was a Mazda2! Not sold here in NA but I drove one as a rental in the UK.

Given that the CX-3 is based on the underpinnings of the 2, it explains why there's so much less space inside, especially for the rear passengers. Behind the second row is not much better, there's a little extra storage cubby but otherwise you might actually be loosing space. I suppose if you live up north and feel the AWD will help you out in the winter, you might be tempted to get the CX-3, but otherwise I'd vote for the 3 hands down.

 

Agree, the size, drivetrain and chassis of CX3 is from Mazda 2. So there is no comparison between 3 and CX3. For me, Mazda 3 hands down.

 

In brief, I would get a CX-5 if you're looking for a more versatile Mazda3, not the CX-3.

 

The only "cool" option the CX3 has is the 2 liter AWD option. If Mazda was smarter they would have found a way to put it in a US 3.
Outside the US they sell an AWD 3, in gas and diesel. That being said, If I had to buy again I would have looked more I would have still bought the 3.
My wife does have a CX5 and I cant wait for her to get a bigger car so I get it.

 

Great analysis and info above. As I have posted in my "signature", lots of smart and friendly folks on M3R!

 

No 2.5 option, no deal for me. Also being higher up, does not feel as nimble as the 3. And not really any more practical than the 3. I would opt for the cx5 if you need more room.

 

Several months ago, I was hell-bent to get a CX-3. I hadn't even considered a Mazda3. But when I test drove the CX-3, the salesman said, "You really should check out the 2017 Mazda3.... I think you'd like it much better." He started telling me all the advantages. The price wasn't all that much different. After driving both cars, I immediately knew he was right – a week later I got my Mazda3.

Go drive them both; you may find it's an easy choice.

 

I was in this exact predicament 3 months ago.

I really like the look of the CX-3, and for someone on their own or who doesn't carry more than 1 passenger it'll be fine. However if you use your back seat for anything more than storage you'll want to look elsewhere.

The only real advantage to the CX-3 is the AWD option.

Other advantages subject to personal preference are the styling (I think it's a great looking vehicle) and the slightly elevated ride height - if that matters to you. Otherwise, every single other advantage point goes to the Mazda3, including the 2.5L engine (at least here in NA), interior space, cargo space, etc.

The CX-5 wasn't an option for me - the current gen isn't my cup of tea. Needless to say I went with the 3 hatch.

Now if Mazda would have only brought the 6 wagon back to NA I would've had NO hesitation in paying the extra to take the step up to that - but it wasn't even an option for me.

After seeing the interior of the top-spec facelifted 3 compared to the Mazda 6 I had no issues making my choice.

 

Amazing discussion guys! I read some very good points regarding the CX-3 but even better points on why you would stick with the Mazda 3. Also is very interesting that many of you at least checked and drove the CX-3 prior to purchasing a Mazda 3. That simply tells me that the driving experience in the Mazda 3 beats the one in the CX-3.

I want to clarify that I'm not purchasing a new vehicle lol , I want to know your opinions and create a meaningful discussion since you guys are Amazing!!!

 

Bit biased since I own a 3 but the size difference isn't worth getting the CX-3 for over the hatch if you needed an SUV to begin with.

 

I wanted to get a 3sGT but they didn't have any that I could trade up to in the same model year so they brought out a cx3. Decent vehicle but the anemic for it's size engine (147hp? 2.0) at the GT level, and well my 3 already being tuned left a lot to be desired. The interior for anything but the front seemed tiny and the trunk/hatch space was laughable. I would rather get a full blown SUV if I needed it, especially with the new CX-9 turbo.

 

Gents, my apologies for the crappy armrest. I sent Mazda a nasty-gram back in Dec 2014 making my remarks about their lack of a center armrest -- such a common thing in today's cars. Mazda's reply is below...I'll take ownership on this one...

"Service Request Number 1-16960163

Dear Mr. Jennings,

Thank you for taking the time to contact Mazda.

We have received your e-mail in regards to your recommendation for a driver's armrest in the Mazda CX-3 and wanted to let you know that we at Mazda appreciate customers like you and the passion you have for our vehicles.* It is ZOOM ZOOM embracing enthusiasts such as you that provide us with the energy to produce driver-focused vehicles.*

We do appreciate your suggestion and have forwarded your request to our Product Planning team for further review and evaluation.* Your feedback is very important as we are always looking for ways to continually improve our great products and services.*

Should you have additional questions or feedback, please contact me at the number below and reference your Service Request number.

Sincerely,

Jose F.
Representative, Customer Experience
800.222.5500
Ext. 1180

[SR Number: 1-16960163]"

 

We actually own both. I have the mazda 3 and my partner brought a cx3 sport last year. I've driven both over long distances and both are fine cars. I agree with some of the comments on here though. The lack of arm rest in the cx3 really bothered me. More than I'd of thought. Also the lack of space. We've had people in the back with no complaints but we are going to be trying for a baby soon and are concerned about the boot size. I also have trouble with leg room in the front passenger seat if I don't have it all the way back but then I am 6ft 2.
Apart from this I really like the cx3. It looks stunning and drives nice. I'm particularly jealous of the heads up display and speedo. Would I have one over a mazda 3? Probably not but I'm very happy for my partner to have one and let me use it lol.

 

The Mazda3 all day.
The CX-3 has no centre console, nor an arm rest. I sat in both the basic trim level and the top spec with leather seats and there was nothing, just a big empty space. Also there is no mechanical handbrake, so on those two points its a fail for me. Plus in my driving position it has the same amount of space behind the driver's seat as the 3, same amount under the dash for my legs, and getting out of both vehicles has the same amount of effort. So there is no real difference from my point of view.
But correct me if I'm wrong, is not the CX-3 based on the Mazda2? If so, why does it have the same basic interior dimensions as the 3? Side by side, there are almost the same. Am I wrong?

 

Nice award for the CX-3!

CHICAGO NEWS NAMES 2017 MAZDA CX-3 BEST CROSSOVER OF THE YEAR

Recognized for its unparalleled combination of premium amenities, efficiency and value, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 has been awarded as the “Best Crossover of the Year” by Chicago News.

The 2017 CX-3 won competing against four other vehicles in the segment and was recognized for its “seamless integration into the entire Mazda lineup.”

The award for “Best Crossover of the Year” was presented to Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Special Assignments during the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

“Mazda CX-3 is a perfect balance between style and substance with its beautiful design, upscale interior and all-weather utility,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, Special Assignments, Mazda North American Operations. “We’re thrilled that the 2017 CX-3 was named Best Crossover of the Year by Chicago News, as it’s a perfect vehicle for on-the-go Chicagoans who desire the ruggedness of a crossover SUV in a smaller, more efficient package for the urban jungle.”

To learn more about Mazda, visit InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com.

 

When the CX-3 was announced in 2015, I was very excited for it. I was coming from a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT and the CX-3 was what I thought I wanted. But it wasn't out yet and I wanted to be thorough, so also test drove some other vehicles including the 2015 CX-5 and 2015 Mazda3. The CX-5 felt a bit too large for me. However, I instantly fell in love with the way the Mazda3 drove. What's more, it had the same 6.1 inches of ground clearance as the CX-3, more cargo room, more passenger room, and WAY better fuel economy. The CX-3 had AWD as an option, but that was about it. I ended up buying a Mazda3 and put snow tires on it for winter and haven't had a problem with it. I would make that decision again in a heartbeat.

Although, if Mazda were to bring out the CX-4 here, I would definitely want to give it a test drive. It's like a lifted and enlarged Mazda3 (almost the same size as the Mazda6 wagon with more ground clearance). That might just be my ideal vehicle for handling snow and the stupid-high driveways around here that I keep scraping my front bumper on. 6.1 inches just isn't enough for me, but that's high for a car it seems.

 

I would say get a mazda3 because it has a more diverse driving feel than the CX-3 and manual transmission option

 

I absolutely love the looks of the CX-3 more than probably any other crossover out there. Coming out of my MX5 and looking to get another 3, I figured what the hell I'll test out a CX-3. It felt so cramped inside, rear seat was very tight even for me(5'9), and wasn't even enough room for bike in the back. It was more expensive and didn't get as good of gas mileage. It had me standing in the showroom scratching my head. I went over and poured another cup of coffee to see if that helped, but even after my second cup I still couldn't figure it out. Unless you absolutely NEED AWD it would have felt like a downgrade in every single way from a 3. Ground clearance we even advertised as 6" for both, which I think may have been an error. I can fit 3 bikes INSIDE the back of my hatch(I've done it) and realized that when in hatch for, the 3 cant be beat.

 

Don't forget about the new Toyota C-HR, very hawt little crossover

 

CX-3 is a very good looking vehicle, but lack of a stick shift takes it off my list. I doubt they would have many buyers of this with a manual tranny though.

 

I have been told the manual mode is actually quite engaging to drive. I too would prefer that there would be a manual option especially for awd in winter driving conditions but the "people" have spoken, and they are too lazy to use a clutch pedal lol.

 

I considered the CX-3 as well but then I opened the hatch and that was the end of that. The AWD would have been nice here, but with some good winter tires, I will be fine in the 3. I am extremely pleased with the 17 GT that I recently purchased. The odometer just hit 100 miles, and 93 of those miles are mine. I have not enjoyed driving in many years, but this little car really has brought back the passion of motoring to me. I forgot how much fun a n/a engine along with a sweet manual transmission can be. I haven't slept too well the last couple of nights because of my excitement to take out the new car. I think my wife is over me talking about this car, but she really likes this car as well.

I looked at the 17 CX-5 and that would have been the practical choice for me, but the 3 is way more fun to drive.

 

That is quite odd. Usually when upshifting I can make the shift before the RPM drop that low anyhow. I don't know if I would like having the computer trying to keep the rpms at a different range than I want. I guess its just another nanny bit for people who can't learn drive a stick.

 

The CX3 transmission has pretty long ways for the shifter and the shifts itself feel rather ... unharmonic. I had some problems moving the stick smoothly and fast at the same time. It sure as hell doesn't feel like shifting the MX5 Miata. Then again, the CX3 I have been given had only 2200 km on the clock and sometimes, transmissions need some time to break in, too. Plus, you never know who abused the rental car before you.

 

Now here's a question for others in this thread: Would you like to see the CX-4 come to your market? Personally, I think the CX-4 matches what I want more than the CX-3 does. However, I would still need to see how it compared to the 3. Although it might have to compare closer to the 6 in overall dimensions. And I know that the CX-5 got a sportier redesign, but I still love the 3-like profile of the CX-4 more.