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MAZDA CX-3

SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO: Drive likes what Mazda is doing at the moment, so its new CX-3 baby crossover should be something to look forward to when it arrives later this year.

It puts Mazda into one of the fastest growing sectors in the market - rivals will include the excellent Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Kia Soul and many others - but the CX-3 has the sort of on-paper promise that should help it to the top of the class.

First, it looks great; second, Mazda has forgotten how to build cars that aren't good to drive; and third, it will be efficient thanks to the company's Skyactiv programme of low weight and advanced engines. The CX-3 goes on sale in Japan in the spring. Europeans will be offered three engines: a 2.0-litre petrol, in two power outputs; and a 1.5-litre diesel. Six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes and front- and four-wheel-drive complete the drivetrain mix.