Introduction

The CX-3 is Mazda’s entrant in the highly competitive compact crossover class. Based on the Mazda 2 platform (but longer, wider and higher), it originally went on sale in the UK in the summer of 2015 and rivals include the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Honda HR-V and Audi Q2. There’s a choice of two efficient petrol and diesel engines, which, combined with lightness and nimble driving dynamics, make the CX-3 definitely worth considering.

Did you know? The Mazda CX-3 was named ‘Best Crossover’ at the 2015 Scottish Car of the Year Awards and Best Compact SUV at the 2016 Fleet News Awards.

Verdict | Design | Interior | Technology | Performance | Safety | Specs | Running Costs | Pricing

Verdict:★★★★★★★★☆☆(7.7/10)

The distinctive, upmarket Mazda CX-3 is one of our favourite small crossovers. Not only does it look different, but it’s a great all-round package, too. Fun to drive, well-built and practical, it’s available with strong SkyActiv petrol and diesel engines and lots of kit. Priced from £17,795, the 105hp 1.5-litre diesel version is particularly frugal, returning up to 71mpg with CO2 emissions of just 105g/km. And unlike some crossovers, the CX-3 is available with four-wheel drive.