Mazda CX-3 review – A crossover with the spirit of an MX-5? - Interior and tech

The CX-3’s interior is largely the same as that of the Mazda 2 supermini, on whose platform the crossover sits.

That’s no bad thing at all – the 2 has one of the best current supermini cabins, itself not dissimilar from the sporty layout of the Mazda MX-5. It’s unencumbered by dozens of switches and feels driver-focused rather than mumsy.

The large rev counter sitting front and centre in the instrument cluster helps with the sporty feeling, and it’s joined by a head-up display in higher trim levels. The steering wheel is a nicely-shaped three-spoke affair and two round vents flank the driving environment.

So far, evo has tested CX-3s in Sport Nav trim, which positions a screen atop the dashboard, operable via touch (at a standstill) or by an i-Drive style control between the seats.

Those seats are comfortable too, though if you’re tempted to test the CX-3’s capabilities you may begin to discover their lack of side support. For the sort of driving most CX-3s will see, they’re perfectly comfortable and in Sport Nav spec, beautifully-trimmed with Alcantara and leather. That leather extends to the dashboard while Alcantara can also be found on the door cards – few cars in the class offer such a premium feel inside the cabin.