Faults:

DPF (diesel particulate filter) needed replaced, expensive. Common modern diesel issue.

Rear struts won't hold the hatch open very well anymore.

Mystery intermittent starting issue. Replaced the battery, seems better but still won't start some days, but then starts no problem a short time later!?

Lately the engine management light has come on and off, needs investigation, appears to drive OK however.

General Comments:

The CX-3 is a typical modern vehicle. Looks like anything else on the road. Very bland and boring.

It is comfortable, I'll give it that. Economical too, always over 50 mpg from the 1.5 diesel. Not fast at all however. Pleasant to drive rather than exciting.

Spacious interior and well equipped.

Not bad looking exterior in red with alloy wheels.

A very boring car, not bad, just dull. Not that reliable either. Yes mine is ten years old now, but has low mileage and appeared looked after when bought a couple of years ago, hopefully not too expensive to repair, then I might keep it as basic transport, nothing more. That's all these cars are these days!

General Comments:

I went to sit in a CX-3, in an HR-V and in a Mazda 5. I tried all these because I do like the overall size, but I'm pretty tall at 6'1" and don't always find a smaller vehicle that fits my legs.

The CX-3 has surprisingly good leg room for the driver (not perfect, but acceptable for a compact vehicle), and with the driver's seat adjusted for me, I still had leg room for my legs in the seat behind. This is impressive. I also sat in the HR-V and it had such short leg room I could not place my feet. The rear seats are very comfortable in the CX-3, but the front seat lacks lumbar support.

The CX-3 interior, I think it's the most beautiful and most upscale of all these vehicles. It really feels good and looks beautiful - it was the highest trim. I liked the car even though it definitely feels 'claustrophobic' inside as it really isn't that wide. Rear windows are also very high, which means kids won't be able to look outside - I think this is my main criticism.

The seats are a little more high off the ground compared to a sedan, but still not as high as a Mazda 5 for example. Head room was OK with the seat in the highest position, and I could move the steering towards me enough to have a comfortable position for my hands.

One thing to notice, the gas pedal is the floor hinge type, but I didn't notice this until I looked at it, so it actually works quite well (in other vehicles such as the new Sonata it's kind of annoying because the pedal is too sensitive and the foot position is not natural).