Mazda 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.

Not very much is the short answer. A car that has been sitting unused for 15 years or so is likely to need a lot of work, and money to get it back to decent roadworthy condition, despite the low mileage. It needs tyres and a battery, and the back seats are missing, it's worth maybe $250.

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.

The Mazda6 is currently best in class and ticks all your boxes, as well as getting The Tick from me.

I am not a great fan of the Q3. The CX-5 gets The Tick and has also just had a slight update with several improvements. The Mazda is also bigger and cheaper, which makes it a no-brainer for me.

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.

Since you already have a Mazda, then the latest Mazda6 gets The Tick and will suit your needs.

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.