Driven Compact SUV of the Year: Mazda CX-3

John Maslin
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The new CX-3 is the perfect choice for Mazda to take its place in the compact crossover segment. With the option of two or all-wheel drive, petrol or diesel engines, buyers have a choice to match their lifestyle. Beautifully balanced on-road, it’s quiet and delivers a comfortable ride.

If there is a shortcoming, it's in the boot space. That may matter to some but given Mazda is targeting young families with a child or two in tow or “empty nesters” then it probably won't. The focus has been on maximising interior space, and by pushing the driver's and front passenger's seat outwards and raising the height of the rear seats, it has created an airy cabin offering great visibility.

The CX-3 has an impressive array of on-board equipment and masses of active and passive safety functions.

This isn’t a CX-5 that's been wading through the water and shrunk nor is it a fat Mazda2. It’s a stand-alone model that fits that smaller compact SUV niche that Mazda wanted to fill.

From a blank canvas Mazda has developed a compact that hits the sweet spot. 

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