Mazda CX-3 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Our earlier comparisons are out of date with the arrival of new XV opponents including the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur.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.

I'd suggest you wait, just a little, and investigate the new breed of compact SUVs. Right now you can choose from the Subaru XV and Renault Captur, which I give The Tick, but soon enough there will also be a Mazda CX-3 that looks like the pick of the litter.

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.

I am not remotely a fan of the Trax. I'd suggest a test drive in a Mazda CX-5, which is best in class and gets The Tick, and then compare it with a couple of worthy rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Or wait for the new wave of baby SUVs including the Mazda CX-3 and Renault Captur

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 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.