During its year with Fleet News, the Mazda CX-3 has been driven by several colleagues before I took the keys for its final road test.

My first impressions were positive as both the exterior and interior styling give it a pleasing, sporty appearance. Its rugged looks are similar to the CX-5. Inside, the leather trim dashboard with contrast stitching and red gloss insets on the fan heaters add a superior look.

The infotainment system features a seven-inch colour touchscreen which has a familiar feel to other Mazdas.

Sadly, however, the Mazda CX-3 just isn’t practical for me and this is an opinion shared by some colleagues throughout the year.

Two days after taking the keys I was away on holiday. This car, however, sat at home on the drive. It simply wasn’t up to the job. It would have been a struggle to get two suitcases in the small boot let alone the three we had, along with hand luggage.

Even part of the weekly food shop sometimes has to go in the backseat footwell. The high level boot, however, does make it easy to load.

Inside, cabin space is also snug. This is not a problem when I am on my own or only with a front seat passenger but add two kids into the mix and it is not long into a journey before the complaints start and you can feel legs and feet banging at the back of your seat.

The Mazda CX-3 was voted Fleet News compact SUV of the year in 2016.

What is apparent is that it will not suit all lifestyles. It has a great deal to offer, but for those who require more leg and luggage space, the bigger CX-5 is the ideal choice.

Leanne Patterson