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Lisa is looking to make the move from her 2009 Toyota Yaris. She doesn't want to change the basics ? her new car must also be economical, small enough to fit into tight urban spaces and auto-equipped ? but is keen on an SUV this time around. Maximising safety is a high priority and she wouldn't mind a bit of style, either. She likes Mazda's CX-3 but isn't sure if she's on the right track.
The budget
About $25,000
The shortlist
The CX-3 isn't all things to all city-SUV buyers but its looks obviously tickle Lisa the right way and it satisfies her other key criteria.
Is it the best candidate for her cash? Well, it's certainly not threatened by city SUVs that clash with her budget in auto form (Fiat 500X, Citroen Cactus, Renault Captur). It's easier on most eyes than Ford's unfortunately styled EcoSport and just plain better than Holden's Trax.
There are, though, two alternatives that also make a pretty decent case for themselves in this context.
Honda HR-V, from $24,990
This Honda cedes ground to the Mazda with a higher starting price. Safety technology such as autonomous emergency braking is part of its repertoire but not in this budget range.
Its 1.8-litre petrol engine and mandatory CVT auto serve up decent but not amazing driveability and economy. Its handling is good without being great.
But the HR-V, with its coupe styling touches, is reasonably interesting to look at. Its cabin has an upmarket feel and a practical benchmark with its generous space, 439-litre boot and 'magic' back seat, which has a base that folds up, not just a backrest that folds down.
It's easy to drive and park, has a comfortable ride, service costs are fixed for the first five years/100,000km and its yearly/10,000km service intervals are better than most Hondas.
Read Drive's Honda HR-V reviews:
Road-test comparison: Baby SUVs
?Mazda CX-3 auto, from $21,990
Lisa already likes the look of this Mazda and we suspect she'll love driving it thanks to a punchy 2.0-litre petrol engine and agile, poised road manners.
It delivers some of the segment's best economy numbers, a classy cabin vibe, the security of a lifetime fixed-price servicing regime and matches the Honda with yearly/10,000km intervals.
Safety tech such as autonomous emergency braking is an across-the-range option, so can be targeted in this budget range.
But the CX-3's back seat and boot (264 litres) are tighter than other options in the class. Its engine can be noisy and it's not especially hushed on the open road.
The extra choice it promises compared to the HR-V (i.e. diesel, all-wheel-drive and manual models) isn't really an advantage in this budget or context.
Read Drive's Mazda CX-3 reviews:
Road test: Mazda CX-3 sTouring
Road-test comparison: Baby SUVs
Suzuki Vitara auto, from $23,990
This Suzuki doesn't offer safety tech such as autonomous emergency braking for any price and its six-monthly/10,000km service intervals are this group's shortest.
Its cabin doesn't quite deliver the sense of occasion of its rivals here and, similar to the Mazda, its impressive choice (diesel, petrol turbo and all-wheel-drive are available) doesn't apply at this budget.
But the Vitara is competitively spacious and has a decent 375-litre boot. The 1.6-litre petrol engine fitted to models in this price range is respectably willing and frugal, and it's one of the more agile, composed and comfortable city SUVs to drive. Service costs are fixed for five years/100,000km.
A range of two-tone colours and trim options allow you to personalise its appearance more than the other cars here.
Read Drive's Suzuki Vitara reviews:
Drive 2015 Car of the Year: Best City SUV
Drive recommends
If Lisa had to maximise practicality the Honda would be a real threat to take out this fight. But the lack of such a directive and some prominent underperformances outside of the practical domain consign it to last place.
Fundamentally, the Suzuki combines the best of both of its rivals. Where the Honda is practical but so-so to drive and the Mazda is great to drive but not that practical, it delivers on both fronts. That roundedness, and its unique personalisation opportunities, makes it a smart choice for a whole lot of city-SUV buyers.
The Mazda, though, goes further in Lisa's desired safety field, has potentially more convenient servicing and ? even without its rival's personalisation opportunities ? feels that bit more upmarket. With practicality not a factor, that gives it the upper hand.
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5 Comments
Apart from price Mazda cx3 is no match to Honda HRV. Come on guys, free yourself from mazda slavery.
Base model Mazda CX3 has no SATNAV, no alloy wheels, no reverse camera, no sensors, no daytime running headlights and a disgraceful boot space. Basically its a 1984 Trabat 601 with power steering and a double laminated windscreen. I have been driving my Renault Captur for 1.5 years. Most underrated and one of the best cars in its class. Even Citroen will give you better value for money. I hate to say it but even a Ford Kuga would be a better buy. Just wait until the change the name back to Escape. Thanks drive.com.au I needed that.
@Captur_driver, you have owned your Renault long enough to know why a Mazda is a better long term ownership proposition. Wait until something breaks. I suggest you trade up before the warranty period expires.
@AusReviewes, the Honda HRV is slightly more practical than a CX3 however not as attractive or fun to drive as the Mazda. Sometimes slavery can be for good reasons.
Mazda are a good solid car but they play catch up. Basically the last to get hand controls for radio, phone, etc. One of the last to introduce 12 month servicing even though it still needs servicing every 10,000 km. And their service prices??? Both the small Korean SUV's have servicing every 15,000 km and 5 and 7 year warranties. Nothing else can compare. You can own a Kia for 5 years and sell it with 2 years of factory warranty remaining. Stodgy old Mazda will get there eventually but by then service intervals for the Koreans will possibly be out to 25,000 ks like BMW and Merc.