She: You needn't look far to acknowledge Mazda's runaway success in Australia. Our roads seem inundated with different variations of the 'Zoom Zoom', many which are top-sellers in their categories. In the highly fought-out small SUV segment, the CX-3 immediately emerged as a crowd favourite. It's had a few tweaks in 2017. Steve, do the changes appeal to you?

He: There's no question Mazda's success of late, and SUVs like the CX-3 have been key to that. The updates to the 2017 model are limited, which isn't surprising given it only first launched in 2015, and are focused mainly on upgrading safety on the lower grade models. We're driving the top-of-the-range Akari, which gets a new shade of alloy wheels, new steering wheel and instrument cluster.

None of the exterior styling has changed dramatically, so how do you think its looks are holding up, Dani?

She: The CX-3 looks good, however a downside in being too popular is that it diminishes the 'wow factor'. I think the cabin is nice and the contrasting red and black leather throughout the interior looks sporty. I'm loving the heated seats on these cold winter mornings. However I would've expected a top-spec model to have an electric handbrake over a traditional one. It also would've provided some much needed storage space. Room in the rear is a bit tight and the boot isn't that much bigger than the Mazda 2, so fitting in a pram could be tricky. The Japanese car maker claims the CX-3 is quieter, how was the ride for you?

He: It's hard to tell if it's any quieter without driving it back-to-back with the old model, because to my ears it has still got a noisy cabin. Road and engine noise seems to penetrate the cabin more than I'd like. Particularly when the engine is cold that unmistakable diesel chug is noticeable.

But the 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel otherwise does an impressive job, as it produces plenty of pulling power low down in the rev range making it feel strong off the mark around town compared to its petrol sibling.

She: I really enjoy driving diesels and found the CX-3 to be a refined, well-mannered car. Acceleration is relatively smooth and it feels comfortable on the freeway. The steering is well-weighted and it takes corners easily. Like most top-end vehicles, the advanced safety features are commendable. In addition, the Akari gets Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition but Steve it comes at a premium price?

He: Yeah, this is where the CX-3 Akari really falls down to me. It costs $37,890 plus on-road costs, meaning you won't get any change from $40k. That's a lot of money for a compact SUV, even one as well equipped as the CX-3, with all the latest active safety features. Does it win you over, Dani?

She: I like this baby high-rider but I agree with you, it's a bit too expensive. For the same money, you could get a mid-level CX-5 the next size up or, for a bit more, the brand cache of an entry-level Audi Q2. Tech savvy drivers may also lament the absence of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Mazda claims that's in the pipeline but that won't benefit current buyers.

He: For my money I'd rather a Mazda2. It may not be an 'SUV' but it is basically the same car as the CX-3 and even the top-spec GT model only costs $21,680. That's a saving of more than $16,000 - which is enough to buy another Mazda2, albeit a base-model Neo!

If you have your heart set on a CX-3 though, the Maxx diesel starts at $27,290 and thanks to the latest update it includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Either way there's no sign of Mazda's success running out of gas anytime soon.

2017 Mazda CX-3 price and specifications

Price: From $37,890 plus on-road costs

Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 77kW at 4000rpm

Torque: 270Nm at 1600-2500rpm

Transmission: Six-speed auto; all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 4.8L/100km

• For more information, visit our Mazda showroom.