Sector: Crossover Price: €17,990–€28,190 Fuel: 4.0–6.4/100km CO2: 105–150g/km

The small SUV currently seems unstoppable, with Mazda the latest to introduce a model to take on the Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport, Jeep Renegade and Opel Mokka. The CX-3 made its European debut at the Geneva Show in March and is now going on sale across Europe.

In many respects, the car is a scaled down CX-5, making use of the company’s Kodo design language and its Skyactiv design technologies, designed to reduce weight and improve engine efficiency.

The format is familiar, with both two and four-wheel drive available, Mazda differs from many is in its drivetrain options. Downsizing is the popular way to reduce fuel consumption, usually with turbocharging in the mix too. While that’s true of the diesel power option – Mazda’s new 1.5-litre diesel shared with the Mazda2, the petrol engine seems unfashionably large at 2.0-litres, even though Mazda has chosen direct injection for better efficiency. Mazda describes this as “Rightsized” and it comes with i-stop idle-stop as standard with the option of Mazda’s i-ELOOP brake energy recuperation system. 120hp and 150hp versions are available.

One output is available from the 1.5-litre diesel – 105hp. There’s a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, but only the petrol engines offer a choice of 2WD and automatic transmission. If you want a diesel auto, it will be 4WD. Not surprisingly, the lowest fuel consumption and emissions comes from the diesel 2WD manual with 4.0l/100km and 105g/km CO2 emissions.

Trim options will vary by market, but there are up to nine paint colours, 18-inch aluminium wheels and options include a head-up display, seven-inch touchscreen, MZD Connect with smartphone connectivity and a choice of apps, satellite navigation and rear parking camera. Similarly, a range of i-Activsense driver assistance systems is available from active cruise control to land departure warning.

Mazda claims that there is class leading space and driver’s seat adjustment for the CX-3 and driver comfort is good. Instruments are clearly laid out ahead of the driver and the control layout echoes that of other current Mazda models.

Diesel is likely to be the engine of choice for many fleets and in many ways it is the best all-rounder of the engines. It offers good refinement and impressive torque – better than either petrol engine. The petrol engines are refined too and although they lack the torque of the diesel, offer good performance.

Rear legroom is a reminder that the CX-3 is based on a comparatively short wheelbase – there wouldn’t be much knee room sat behind a tall driver. Otherwise ride comfort is good. The route included a wide variety of surfaces and considering the short wheelbase and large wheel diameter, the CX-3 can soak up the poor surfaces well.

With all seats in use, the car provides B-segment like boot space with 350 litres, including space beneath the floor to store high value equipment like tablet computers and cameras. This can be expanded to 1,250 litres with the rear seats folded.

Verdict:

Diesel power would be the obvious choice for long distance drivers but the petrol engine provides a good alternative for those covering shorter annual distances.