MAZDA is enjoying an outstanding sales boom in the UK at the current time and following on from the launch of the highly successful CX-5 in 2012 the Japanese company has just introduced its first model in the baby SUV segment.

The stylish and richly-equipped CX-3 is designed to challenge the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Fiat 500X - and after testing out a selection of models on a splendid road route through Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, it would seem the company has come up with a sure-fire winner.

The 18-strong line-up is priced from £17,595 to £24,695 and buyers can select from five generously-equipped trim levels - SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav.

Then there is the choice of 2WD or all-wheel drive, six-speed manual or automatic transmission along with a selection of highly efficient powertrains. In fact there are 11 petrol and seven diesel variants - so plenty of choice.

The CX-3 follows the same design cues as the CX-5 and is a fabulous car to look at, boasting the signature ‘wing' front grille, sculpted bonnet, sharp coupe profiling, predatory headlamp clusters and smart alloys. It has a truly athletic, powerful, ready-for-action stance.

The interior is beautifully crafted and is a clear indication that Mazda is making a move towards the premium marques. The build quality is far superior to many vehicles in its class and price range with a clutter-free cabin that has a very modern, sophisticated and elegant feel to it.

All models boast a smart seven-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and multi-function steering wheel as standard while the range-topping Sport Nav models include the likes of a seven-speaker BOSE sound system, a sat nav system with three years free European mapping updates, and a head-up display - which is a first in the sector.

And the safety spec is impressive too with all models featuring the light, yet strong SKYACTIV body which absorbs and disperses the impact in the event of a collision, plus a full complement of airbags, hill-hold assist, traction control and emergency stop signalling as standard. In addition the SE-L and Sport Nav introduce smart city braking and lane departure warning systems.

The interior is roomy with ample space for two adults in the back. The high roofline means they are treated to lots of headroom and luggage limits are generous too with a capacity of 350 litres which can be increased to 1,260 with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down flat. This capacity is reduced on Sport Nav models to accommodate the BOSE subwoofer. And there is an underfloor compartment too to store more permanent items away from view.

So the CX-3 looks fabulous, is neatly specced and is fully adaptable to meet the demands of a compact SUV customer, but the really vital factor has to be performance and once again the car came through with flying colours.

First up was the 2.0-litre 120PS petrol Sport Nav model in 2WD with six-speed manual gearbox. This car is priced at £20,495 (£21,155 with options) and can reach from 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds with a top speed of 119mph. According to official figures it can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 47.9mpg with carbon emissions of 137g/km.

Like its bigger brother the CX-3 is a vehicle that you can instantly feel at home in. It's comfortable, beautifully-styled and all controls, dials and readouts are perfectly positioned for driver usability. In addition, the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility thanks to the elevated driving position and the head-up display can be adjusted to the perfect height and can offer information on speed, warnings and navigational directions.

The driving route incorporated 150 miles of sweeping open roads with testing s-bends and narrow tracks and the CX-3 absolutely lapped it up.

The acceleration was blisteringly quick and gear changes were both smooth and responsive. It was a little jittery if bends were taken too aggressively but that aside the road-holding was magnificent and the steering fabulously precise.

There was also a little wind noise from the large door mirrors but otherwise the car was nicely insulted with engine and road surface noise kept to a minimum.

Next up was a 1.5-litre 105ps diesel SE-L Nav model in 2WD with six-speed manual gearbox. This car is priced at £20,995 which is increased to £21,535 with optional extras. It can reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.1 seconds and tops out at 110mph. It can deliver a combined 70.6mpg with emissions of 105g/km.

Once again the CX-3 was a delight to drive and coped admirably with the open road. When things slowed down and we moved through busy little villages the great all-round visibility was a plus factor and the punchy gearbox quickly helped to pick up the pace again as we headed out to the open lanes.

There was a little more engine noise, but to be honest it is a minimal increase and you are guaranteed far superior fuel economy with the diesel model.

All in all, the CX-3 is a very welcome newcomer to a fiercely competitive sector and with its sharp looks, feature-rich interior and impressive performance capabilities it's like to stir things up considerably.