For 2018, low-speed automatic emergency braking is standard across the CX-3 lineup. Mazda says it has revised the CX-3's suspension to improve handling and ride quality and added more sound-reducing materials to make the CX-3 quieter. Small changes have been made to feature availability.
PROS Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy for a crossover Good selection of available driver aids and active safety features
CONS Suspension tuning may be too firm for some Tight rear seat Below-average cargo space
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 ranked #2 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Mazda CX-3 has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sporty handling Great gas mileage Upmarket interior
Cons Limited cargo room Small back seat Below-average predicted reliability rating
One spirited drive behind the wheel of the CX-3 will have even the keenest driving enthusiasts singing its praises. We’ve come to expect playful driving dynamics, eager powertrains, and driver-focused interiors from Mazda—it’s the zoom-zoom brand, after all—and this subcompact crossover doesn’t disappoint. Once its practicality is under the microscope, however, the CX-3’s shine starts to fade. It’s small. Shoppers who prioritize cargo space and room for passengers would be better served by many of the CX-3’s rivals, or even a Mazda 3 hatchback. Even so, the CX-3 is on our short list of great crossovers, even if it’s solely for its corner-carving expertise and its fun-loving character.
Pros Sweetest-driving mini crossover around, class-leading fuel economy, eye-catching style.
Cons Cramped rear seat, limited cargo capacity, dawdling infotainment responses.
SEAT's first SUV had to be a good one, and thankfully the Ateca has scored a direct hit. More than that, it's combination of style, space, quality, driving enjoyment and value earned it the title of Crossover of the Year 2016 at our New Car Awards. The Spanish brand's sharp design language ensures that the SEAT Ateca is one of the best looking SUVs of its kind. There's substance underneath, too, with a wide range of punchy and efficient engines and a well-tuned chassis making the Ateca the best in its class on the road. A lack of kit for the cheapest models and slightly dull interior may deter some, but the impressive space on offer, general air of solidity and availability of four-wheel drive gives the Ateca all it needs to beat the Nissan Qashqai.
The Seat Ateca breaks new ground for Seat, because the Spanish brand has previously built as many SUVs as it has spaceships. But while Seat is undoubtedly very late to the party, it’s drawing on the experience of others and offering keen pricing. Underneath the sharp bodywork is essentially the same mechanicals that sits beneath the much more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan. True, the Ateca misses out on some of that car’s practical features, such as reclining and sliding rear seats, but it still has a large boot and masses of rear seat space. We think many people will happily give up the VW’s extra flexibility when they consider that a very well equipped four-wheel-drive Ateca will cost the same as a mid-range two-wheel-drive Tiguan.
The SEAT Ateca is an affordable, practical and desirable SUV that gives buyers a great alternative to the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai. SEAT has never had an SUV in its line-up before, but the SEAT Ateca has quickly become one of our favourites, giving potential Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai owners a great alternative. The Spanish manufacturer hasn’t exactly started from a standstill, as most of you will know the Ateca shares a considerable amount with the Volkswagen Tiguan. But, the SEAT did get a small head start in the UK, going on sale first, costing less and looking rather stylish, too.
Pros Very well priced Looks fantastic Good to drive
Cons Slightly firm ride Not a completely flat loading area Tiny five-inch screen on cheaper models
