Mazda CX-3 review

The CX-3 drives like a heavier Mazda 2. It's not quite as agile, but the steering's pleasing weightiness, the gearshift's brilliantly slick action and the obedient turn-in have all survived the supermini-to-crossover growth spurt intact. It's easily as entertaining as a Juke, but the Mazda's superior seats and multi-adjustable steering column means more drivers will be more comfortable - more 'in' rather than 'on' the chassis.

The pay-off for genuinely gratifying dynamics is the firm ride. It's well controlled and far from uncomfortable, but even on the smaller 16-inch alloys, the CX-3 will be too stiff for some. The non-turbo petrol engines are torque-lite too, so be prepared to rummage around that gearbox (or spec the duller but brawnier 103bhp) for traffic-dodging urgency.