Mazda CX-3 review

You'll be hard pressed to find a better-looking small SUV than the Mazda CX-3. The Japanese manufacturer makes a car oozing class in a segment that has historically been a touch short on elegant rivalry. And in 2018, the CX-3 received a (very) light styling refresh to keep it contemporary, with some further changes made beneath the skin.

For a start, Mazda tweaked the CX-3's suspension, aiming to emulate the tidy handling and comfort of its bigger brother, the CX-5. Plus, to keep technophiles happy, it added some new features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Meanwhile, the range continues to offer plenty of choice, with two 2.0-litre petrol engines and a 1.8-litre diesel. A choice of manual or automatic gearbox is available, and, to prove the CX-3’s not just a ‘soft-roader’, it’s one of the few small SUVs that can be ordered with four-wheel drive.

But should you buy a CX-3 over some of its rivals, such as the Citroën C3 Aircross, Renault Captur and Seat Arona? And if so, which version should you plump for? Read on to find out all, and be sure to head over to New Car Buying for the latest and very best deals on any small SUV.