2019 Mazda CX-3 vs 2020

What's the difference?

This is the good-looking alternative to a sporty city-based hatch that so many people are apparently lusting after.

There are cheaper, roomier and more practical compact SUVs on the market – like the Mitsubishi ASX and Honda HR-V – and there are even very capable purpose-built small 4WDs, such as the Suzuki Jimny, but the CX-3 straddles the great divide between city and country pretty well. 

Sure, in a CX-3, you should avoid anything more challenging than well-maintained gravel or dirt roads but you can still have plenty of adventures in something like this, even a front-wheel drive version.

And the Akari LE gives you the opportunity to tackle off-bitumen trips on the way to your favourite campsite with a real sense of confidence, style and more than a little of substance.

The Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport is an excellent choice for an urban car because it’s small size makes it easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. It’s fun to drive, with an engine that’s got plenty of oomph for around town or even on the open road, and its safety tech is excellent for the city. But you’ll have to make a few compromises. The CX-3’s boot is small, the rear seats have limited legroom, and you might find it will use more fuel than you’d expect from a little car.

So, as a daily driver and as an urban car the CX-3 Maxx Sport scores well.

Is the Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport the best car for the city, or is there better? Tell us what you think in the comments.