Mazda CX-3 Problems

Cynics might say that carmakers using the shorter intervals are simply gouging customers; others might say it’s prudent to service your car more often to keep them ticking over in tip-top shape. Mazda recommends servicing its cars, including the CX-3 every 10,000 km or 12 month, whichever occurs first. I’m inclined to err on the conservative side and service more frequently.

There's nothing to worry about with start-stop technology. It's been around for years and everybody has it. As for your choices, I'd put the CX-3 well ahead of the ASX and just in front of the HR-V but I wouldn't buy either. For me, a mid-level Mazda3 is bigger than the CX-3, has more power, more room and is better to drive.

The Mazda2 is rated to tow 500kg unbraked or 900kg braked, which would seem sufficient to handle your box trailer, but it depends on the weight of the trailer. Other cars of a similar size are similarly rated, so if you want to tow more than the Mazda2 is rated for you would need a larger car.

The CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class, as is the CX-3 tiddler. But if you want something sized between them then I also give The Tick to the Honda HR-V.

The CX-3 is best in its class and gets The Tick but it is significantly smaller than your Corolla. If you're not carrying lots of grandchildren or big loads it should be fine.

The most important thing to remember is that the CX-3 is based on the Mazda2, which means it is considerably smaller than the Mazda3. If it has enough space for your needs then go ahead, as it's best of the new baby SUVs, gets The Tick, and leads the class on value.

The starting price of the CX-3 is cheaper than its rivals at $19,990, so it should not be as expensive as you think. Of your other three, the S-Cross is boring but the only one I would remotely recommend.

The Freelander is well past its use-by date and both the CX-3 and XV could be too small in the back for his needs. He should try to stretch to a Mazda CX-5, which is still best in class.

That's an interesting group. All three are good, but I'd say the CX-3 is too small and the A6 is too costly, leaving the Outback for family duties.

The CX-3 is noticeably smaller than your current car, even thought it gets The Tick. So does the stablemate, which is why I would steer you towards a new Mazda3.