Mazda CX-3 review

Mazda’s fashionable-but-late crack at a ‘compact crossover’ – the jacked-up, bluff-faced supermini idea that’s been a runaway success for the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka. So, it’s far from an original idea then, but there’s plenty of reasons not consequently to write the CX-3 off. 

First off, the crucial donor car is a good ’un – the CX-3 borrows the platform, engines and drivetrains from the terrific new Mazda 2 supermini. It’s also a handsome little tyke – much smarter-suited than the polarizing Juke or Ford’s dog-awful Ecosport rival. And in this sector, look count for everything. Big win from the off, Mazda – and the rest of it stands up to scrutiny too...