Mazda CX-3 Akari diesel vs Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport diesel

The Akari is the top of the new CX-3 range. It has leather seats, sunroof, satnav, head-up speed display, auto-dipping high beam and rain-sensing wipers, as well as a raft of safety equipment that’s optional on other models (see below). Servicing over three years costs $1711, interval is nine months/10,000km.

The CX-5 range starts at about $30,000 but this is the cheapest diesel variant. We quickly established which one we’d choose if faced with a value-for-money dilemma. Standard fare includes satnav, electric park brake (the CX-3’s is manual) and cloth seats. Servicing over three years is cheaper than the Akari - $1602.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel is new for Mazda and the focus is on fuel economy (5.1L/100km) rather than power (outputs are modest: 77kW/270Nm). Unlike other modern diesels, the 1.5 has a noticeable delay in power delivery and is noisier than others in its class.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel is a powerhouse (129kW/420Nm, more torque than many hot hatches) and is surprisingly smooth, quiet and refined. There’s seamless power delivery in stop-start or open-road driving. Average consumption according to the label is only a fraction more than the baby CX-3 (5.7L/100km).

The CX-3 is a stunning piece of design and one of the best examples of the new breed of city-sized soft-roaders. But it comes at a cost. Size-wise, it's in the category below the CX-5. However the CX-3's rear cargo space (264L seats up, 1174L seats down) is small even by pint-sized SUV standards.

Mazda gave the CX-5 a minor freshen-up at the start of the year, including a new grille, headlights and tail-lights. Interior trim also got a cleaner look. The cabin is roomy compared to its rivals and much roomier than its sibling. The cargo space, even if slightly smaller than its peers, is still cavernous (403L seats up, 1560L seats down).

Six airbags and a strong body add up to a five-star safety rating. In addition, the CX-3 Akari comes with rear-view camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

Six airbags and rear-view camera are standard on the CX-5, which also earns a five-star safety rating. At this price it lacks some of the safety items on the top-line CX-3 but you can option most of the same extras for $1230.

Mazda is well known for its "zoom-zoom" advertising and fun-to-drive cars but the CX-3 needs a little more work. The suspension feels soft at first but runs out of absorption too quickly - after speed bumps for example - and delivers an uncharacteristic thump. The diesel engine feels lethargic, even by class standards. At least the turning circle is good for tight city streets: 10.6 metres.

The CX-5 diesel feels secure on the road and the steering is beautifully weighted and precise. The 2.2-litre has more grunt than you're ever likely to need. Ironically, given that this CX-5 is a base model, it feels like a luxury car after driving the top-line CX-3.