2017 Mazda 3 vs Mazda CX-3

What's the difference?

For over a decade, the Mazda3 has been part of a three-way battle for supremacy in the Australian small car market. The 2004 original threw the felines among the flying rats when launched, transforming the then-dowdy 323 into a stylish, well-equipped, and well-priced contender for Toyota's segment-dominating Corolla, and later, Hyundai's value-packed i30.

In 2017, the battle is still raging. Late 2016 saw a mild update to Mazda's flagship hatch and sedan range to add a few bits and bobs to the its already finely-judged specification. The Corolla stayed pretty much the same, and just this month Hyundai dropped what is now an annual tradition, an absolute cracker of a new car. This time, the all-new i30.

As you can see, Mazda has never had it easy, and it's a testament to the 3's quality, style and ever-growing reputation that it continues to hold its own in the top three.

Mazda's baby SUV, the CX-3, has been nothing short of a sales sensation since its release almost two years ago. After grabbing the segment by the scruff off its neck and tossing aside its erstwhile sales leader, the Mitsubishi ASX, like the whimpy kid in the playground, the minute Mazda has established itself as the Boy King.

Competition is getting hotter, though, and in a growing segment, you have to stay on your toes. Mazda recently gave the CX-3 range some attention to counter the arrival of Toyota's C-HR, while helping to continue to fend off its other rival, Honda. More trouble looms later in the year with the arrival of the Hyundai Kona.

Up here at the top of the range, however, not too far away from Euro offerings from Mini and Audi, things are pretty relaxed. Just 10 per cent of Mazda sales go the Akari's way, but that's still a healthy number (particularly in terms of Mazda's profits). Does the Akari have what it takes to hold buyers back from taking the plunge on a Countryman, or stretching even further to a Q2?