Mazda CX-3 G20 Touring SP 2024 review

Almost a decade ago, I found myself piloting the then brand-new Mazda CX-3 baby SUV. Straight away I declared it’d sell like cold beer at a hot footie ground, helped by a sub-$20,000 starting price, sharp good looks and fun-filled drive experience.

Now almost a decade later, I’m glowing with smugness as my 2015 prediction remains true today. Based on the little Mazda 2’s underpinnings, this CX-3 has been Australia’s best-selling light SUV ever since its introduction.

Actually, it’s been giving city SUV rivals a decent sales kicking for nine years straight, including the far newer Toyota Yaris Cross, Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue.

While we’re dishing out praise, it’s also Mazda’s third best-selling offering in its line-up, behind only the evergreen CX-5 midsize SUV and BT-50 ute.

But it’s old. Really old in SUV terms. If a new generation were coming we’d have long ago expected teases. But like the little Mazda 2 hatch and sedan, try to find information about a new one and you’ll only hear crickets.

The CX-3 was pulled from the US and Europe in 2021 – the larger CX-30 dominates there – and as much as Mazda Australia wouldn’t want to go without, if Japan won’t make a new CX-3, there’s little to be done.

So, let’s celebrate and enjoy the CX-3 while we still have it.

That sub-$20k price is long gone. For the 2024 model year Mazda removed the cheaper manual gearbox option (at the same time dropping AWD versions as well), so it’s now $26,950 for an entry-level CX-3 Sport.

You can just drive away one of these tiddlers for under $30,000 with Mazda’s current $29,990 drive-away offer on the Sport. It’s a blow to new car buyers on a budget, as entry price is now up $3400 over 2023.

There’s a niche group of buyers that absolutely want something as small as a CX-3, but demand a luxury fit and finish. No prestige brand plays in the light SUV space (though the Audi Q2 is an honorary mention), so high grade versions from everyman brands must fill the vacuum.

Here’s where our luxe CX-3 Touring SP comes in. It and the Akari grade above it bring serious sumptuousness to the class. It may be around $38,500 on the road, but if you like a true leathery cabin, faux suede trim, electric