The CX-3 is a truly compact crossover, and very literally a Mazda2 on stilts. 

The world of difference separating the two lies in the fact that it’s taller so no hassle at all to get in and out of, with loftier seating that also makes it easier to see out of.

Once ensconced on firm but supportive front seats, the CX-3’s smallness is palpable, but it isn’t cramped, even for this tester’s 200cm-tall partner up front. That has to do with the wide range of adjustability and a decent level of available space. Result? The driving position is excellent.

The dash architecture is also shared with the Mazda2, down to the oddly deco-style central speedo flanked by the world’s tiniest tacho to the left and a trip computer/fuel-gauge info to the right. The controls have a quality, well-oiled feel to them, the stylised turbine air vents are reminiscent of the old-shape Audi A1's  (no bad thing) and 2018's upgraded centre console feels premium.

Rear-seat entry/egress is unexpectedly easy due to doors that open almost 80 degrees; the seats are a little short in length for longer thighs but well-padded, nicely angled and promote a natural posture, so are comfy; and there are overhead grab handles with coat hooks, a single map pocket and a small bottle receptacle. Your 178cm tester can sit behind themselves with lots of shoe room and enough knee and head clearance too.

Further back, the boot is as you’d expect – deep and wide but fairly short due to the stubby rear. The loading lip is a little high, but there’s a very useable amount of space, with a space-saver spare wheel living beneath the floor. Speaking of which, there are two of those – one that offers extra protection from prying eyes. Cargo capacity is rated at a reasonable 264 litres, or 1174L with the 60/40 rear backrests folded.

Bad points include poor side and rear vision, but otherwise the CX-3’s cabin has weathered the years almost as well as the sporty dynamics. Particularly at its price point.

The Neo Sport comes with heaps of standard items, like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), a reverse camera, 7.0-inch centre touchscreen with Apple Car Play/Android Auto connectivity as part of Mazda’s MZD Connect multimedia system, centre console bin/armrest, electric park brake with hill-hold function, electric folding mirrors and digital radio, among other items. 

This is on top of six airbags, engine stop/start, rear parking sensors, cruise control, air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming capability, internet radio integration, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and two USB ports. Steel wheels ride on 215/60R16 tyres, with a space-saver spare wheel.

Mazda Australia does not publish a 0-100km/h time, but previous tests have revealed that the Neo Sport can reach that figure in about 9.2 seconds.

A world of difference separates the CX-3 and its Mazda2 cousin, and that's immediately obvious in the fact that the former is substantially taller, so no hassle at all to get in and out of, with loftier seating that also makes it easier to see out of.

Once ensconced on firm but supportive front seats, the CX-3’s smallness is palpable, but it isn’t cramped, even for this tester’s 200cm-tall partner up front. That has to do with the wide range of seat height and slide adjustability, range of tilt and telescopic steering movement and a decent level of available space. Result? The driving position is excellent.

The CX-3’s rear still holds up today. Entry/egress is unexpectedly easy due to doors that open almost 80 degrees; the seats are a little short in length for longer thighs but well-padded, nicely angled and promote a natural posture, so are comfy.

However, while the 60/40 backrest splits and fold individually, they do not recline as in some other SUVs, while the base is fixed, so doesn't slide to increase rear-seat legroom.