Mazda CX-3 2015 Problems

Definitely not a Cruze as I get lots of owner complaints. If you only need a small car, definitely the Polo. It's a classy little job that's a sporty drive and it gets The Tick.

The cars are vastly different, yet both get The Tick from me. The advantages of the Hyundai are more boot space, open-road comfort and the five-year warranty and service package. The Mazda is good on quality, but you'll pay a bit for the "fruit". Don't get a diesel, despite the current cheap fuel price, unless you travel at least 30,000km a year, as diesel engines cost more than petrol.

Our earlier comparisons are out of date with the arrival of new XV opponents including the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur. The XV is now trailing those three, at least.

The Freelander is well past its use-by date and both the CX-3 and XV could be too small in the back for his needs. He should try to stretch to a Mazda CX-5, which is still best in class.

That's an interesting group. All three are good, but I'd say the CX-3 is too small and the A6 is too costly, leaving the Outback for family duties.

Much as I like the CX-3, and have given it The Tick, it's a tiddler that will not work if you need space. From the cars on your list, I'd go for the Tiguan.

Seat height is really about outward vision, which can be affected by a person's body type as much as the seat, so she really needs to sit in the cars. I find the Honda HR-V has a good view but all the new baby SUVs have bodies styled for fashion first.

The CX-3 is noticeably smaller than your current car, even thought it gets The Tick. So does the stablemate, which is why I would steer you towards a new Mazda3.

The reputation of the XV is great but, for me, it's too small in the boot and the CVT auto takes the edge off the performance.

I have just driven the CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur and rate the Mazda as clearly best of the bunch, as well as better than the XV. It gets The Tick but be careful that you don’t spend too much — there are 14 models in the line-up.