The Mazda CX-30 is handsome and engaging

The thing is that the Mazda CX-30 is a car that’s only pretending to be a crossover. 

Oh sure, it’s a little taller, and a little more practical than the Mazda 3 hatchback with which it shares a chassis and engines. Certainly, there are little black-plastic extensions to the edges of the wheelarches that make it look a little more rugged and outdoorsy, but really, the CX-30 is less of an SUV and more of a slightly more spacious hatchback.

To be honest, that’s really why we like it so much. Unlike some tall, bulky crossovers, the CX-30 hasn’t sacrificed its handsome looks, which are only accentuated by the optional Soul Red Crystal paintwork.

It means that you slide into the cabin, rather than heft your way up into it, and it — crucially — means that although it’s usefully more roomy and practical than the 3 hatchback, it’s really no less engaging to drive.

The steering weight and feel is sublime, and the CX-30’s balance through a series of corners is lovely. Oh, and it has a cabin that looks and feels as well-made as any Lexus you might care to mention — praise comes no higher.

The innovative new SkyActiv-X petrol engine is a bit of a mixed bag (it tries to mix petrol and diesel combustion cycles for superior economy, but only seems to work well some of the time) but the standard 122hp SkyActiv-G engine is just fine, so that’s really the one to go for.