Mazda CX-3 review - pictures

Here we test the CX-3 in 1.5 D Sport Nav spec, coming in at £21,895. 

1.5-litre turbodiesel engine produces 104bhp and is coupled with a fantastically precise manual gearbox that gives a great connection with the car. 

Interior layout is very similar to the 2 supermini, with an upright infotainment system and central rev counter. It feels smart thanks to synthetic dash leather breaking up the cabin, plus there's plenty of space and there's lots of st

Rakish looks of the CX-3 don't impact on practicality. Rear head and legroom are good and access is easy. 

Standard CX-3s offer 350 litres of boot space, but top-spec Sport Nav models have a Bose sound system that features a subwoofer in the boot. This means boot space decreases to 287 litres. It's not all bad, though - there's an adjustabl

The CX-3 feels agile in the bends, body control is taut and steering feels precise. This sportiness doesn't come at the expense of comfort, though. The CX-3 is refined and well-damped meaning it's a great cruiser, too. 

Our test car sent power to just the front wheels, but for another £1,500 you can opt for the all-wheel-drive version. It costs a bit more to run than the 2WD version, but it offers reassurance in wintry conditions. 

Angular design mixed with gentle curves and a low roofline means that the CX-3 looks sporty and genuinely eye-catching. 

Tail-lights are shallow and wide and chunky wheelarches contribute to muscular styling at the rear. Blacked-out C-pillar helps the car looks lower to the ground, but doesn't affect rear visibility. 

The new Mazda CX-3 is a compact crossover to rival the likes of Nissan's Juke and Peugeot's 2008

The CX-3 offers sharp handling, low running costs and smart looks

On the downside there's a limited engine choice, few options and a high starting price

Mazda’s CX-3 is based on the recently launched 2 supermini.

There are two engines to choose from, one petrol and one diesel.

The CX-3 is available with two or four-wheel drive transmission options.

The 2.0-litre petrol produces 118bhp and emits as little as 136g/km.

The 104bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit emits just 105g/km and returns 70.6mpg on the combined cycle.

The CX-3 offers agile and engaging handling.

Rear seat space is good in the CX-3.

The large, well-shaped boot as a false floor that can be lowered to increase capacity.

The CX-3 gets the eye-catching dashboard with an instrument cluster that neatly integrates digital and analogue dials

The CX-3 is one of the bast-looking cars in the crossover class.

The CX-3 employs Mazda’s dynamic KODO design language. Heavily influenced by the brand’s CX-5 and 2 supermini.

Underpinning Mazda’s SKYACTIV approach is a commitment to reducing the weight of all its cars, which helps to improve both fuel economy and performance.

All models get alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers and a subtle tailgate spoiler.

Prices for the Mazda CX-3 are a higher than for most other mainstream crossovers.