• Space is adequate, but not class-leading
• Enough space for four, but boot is small
• Is it all style over substance?

With more room inside than a 2, Mazda CX-3 practicality is comparable with other models in this hard-fought class. The front seats are pushed out to the extremes of the car’s width, both to improve room for those in the front and improve the view for those behind – who incidentally sit 37mm higher up.

It doesn’t feel the most spacious in the segment, but then neither is it the largest on the outside either, and depending on your driving position you may notice it a slight squeeze for legroom in the back. There’s no real shortage of headroom and shoulder space is adequate – but it does feel larger than a Nissan Juke for example.

The problem is that those who easily feel claustrophobic may struggle in the back of the CX-3, as models with privacy glass can feel quite cramped, especially due to the small rear windows and low roofline.

Boot space varies depending on model

The most disappointing feature of the CX-3 is the boot on Sport Nav+ models. While regular versions have a decent 350-litre boot – which is fairly average for the segment – that can be adjusted with a variable-height floor, Sport Nav+ is robbed of space due to a Bose subwoofer. That means 287 litres, which is smaller than many superminis. As desirable as a top-spec Sport Nav+ may be, it’s not a practical option for growing families.

As you’d hope there’s a 60/40 split function, in case you need to carry large/long/awkward loads, the bootlid is light to lift and it’s easy to access, just make sure you can live with the small load area – newer rivals offer much more practical load spaces. 

Will it fit in my garage?

Compact exterior dimensions mean placing the CX-3 on the road is incredibly easy, plus with large door mirrors and plenty of driver aids, you won’t struggle to manoeuvre it into a space, either.

The rear windows are small and rear roof pillar right at the back of the car is quite chunky, so it’s a good thing it’s not a big car to squeeze into a tight space. The handy thing is that it’s barely longer than a supermini, but it benefits from a slightly raised driving position which means it’s just that little bit easier to see out of.

Safety

• Lots of standard safety kit
• More can be added for extra cost
• Four stars from Euro NCAP

The Mazda CX-3 has been rewarded four stars by Euro NCAP, which is in line with the 2 supermini, with which it shares most of its components.

As standard the CX-3 has six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, traction control and electronic stability control as well as emergency stop signalling which will rapidly flash the indicators to alert other road users to your situation. There’s also a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm and immobiliser installed on all CX-3s and those with children will appreciate the Isofix fittings on the outer rear seats and option to turn off the front passenger seat airbag.

Choose the SE-L or Sport Nav model and you gain the firm’s Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning system, while the latter also features a head-up display to ensure you can always keep your eyes on the road. Extra safety kit can be specified on top-line Sport Nav models, including a traffic sign recognition system, adaptive lights and blindspot monitoring, enhancing its safety credentials significantly.