Mazda’s small crossover may be smaller than most, but that didn’t stop it carving out a big place in our hearts earlier this year when it carried us on a 14-hour drive across the Arctic Circle to the most northerly point on the European continent.
Driving snow, plunging fjords, wandering moose – the little CX-3 took it all in its stride and proved that you don’t need anything bigger to tackle fearsome weather conditions.
However, it is well behind its opposition when it comes to providing the one which you assume comes a standard with an SUV – space. Ignoring the U-for-utility part, the CX-3 (thanks to its borrowed Mazda 2 underpinnings) seriously lacks space in the back, so much so that even taller children or toddlers in bulky safety seats are going to struggle to fit behind a tall driver or front seat passenger.
On the upside, it’s terrific to drive, with sharp steering and handling. Don’t automatically go for the default diesel without checking out the excellent 2.0-litre petrol first.
Price range: €20,995-€31,595
CO2 emissions: 105g/km-137g/km
Which one?: 2.0 G Executive
PCP: From €231 per month