MAZDA chose the backyard of one of its fiercest rivals to launch its first small SUV.

The new CX-3, baby brother to the bigger CX-5, is aiming to take on Nissan’s Sunderland-built Juke, among others, in what is fast becoming one of the car industry’s key battlegrounds.

With that in mind it was fitting that Mazda invited myself to the Baltic on Gateshead’s Quayside so that I could get behind the wheel.

If it looks somewhat familiar that is because the CX-3 is the latest model to follow the Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy.

To that end, there are echoes of all other cars in the company’s current range as Mazda aims to engender a sense of a previously missing corporate identity.

It’s a strategy that is having tangible results, with Mazda emerging from the economic downturn as one of motoring’s success stories.

First impressions of the new model were favourable.

The Northern Echo:

Its design will turn heads and spark envy among other road users.

While it shares DNA with the bigger CX-5, it’s more compact shape gives it a more appealing presence.

You can tell hours and hours of thought have gone into making something that is far more than a means of getting from A to B. While it may spend a lot of its life on the school run and in supermarket car parks, the CX-3 deserves a far greater range in which to roam.

Just as much dedication has been poured into the interior. The cabin is ultra stylish, improving on what its rivals have to offer and setting a bar that others coming down the line will have to try and match.

Mazda doesn’t want any of its customers to believe they have bought an entry level car, giving all models in its 18-vehicle line-up an impressive list of equipment that might cost you thousands of pounds as options elsewhere.

A 7ins touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth and multi-function steering wheel all come as standard. While Sport Nav badged models, feature satellite navigation with three years of free European mapping updates, a Bose sound system, smart keyless entry and a head up display system.

Safety is a key area for Mazda and the CX-3 features hill hold assist and dynamic stability control, among other items, as standard. Further up the range you get a lane departure warning system and Smart City Brake Support – the latter something that could reduce your insurance premiums.

In terms of space, four people can be carried in comfort and five with a little compromise in the rear. There’s 350 litres of luggage space, increasing to 1,260 litres with the seats down.

The Northern Echo:

As important to me as how it looks and what kit it has is how it drives and the CX-3 doesn’t disappoint.

I put it through its paces on some of the most challenging and rewarding roads in County Durham, the Scottish Borders and Cumbria and it handled them with aplomb.

The firm, but fair, ride allied to responsive steering meant there was fun to be had on the twists and turns. And when I got a little over ambitious, the CX-3 bailed me out with its surefootedness.

During the course of the 100-plus miles test route I drove both petrol and diesel and automatic and manual versions, both with Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology.

I have to admit I preferred the slick gearchange and punch of the manual petrol over the more frugal, but less immediately responsive and slightly gruff under acceleration, diesel auto.

Either way, I doubt you will be disappointed.

The gauntlet has been firmly thrown down.