Mazda3 hatchback 2013 pictures

The Mazda3 is the Japanese company's answer to the Ford Focus and Peugeot 308 in the medium hatchback class

Its safety and fuel-efficiency results are competitive with its class - thanks in no small part to modern 'Skyactiv' engines

We reckon the Mazda3 is among the very best looking hatchbacks in its class, thanks to sporty and distinctive front end styling

The rear is not quite so imaginatively styled, but still looks the part and is sufficiently different to rivals to stand out

Sensible running costs make the Mazda3 a good choice for private and company drivers alike, while Mazda also has a good reputation for reliability and quality

Perhaps even better news is that the Mazda3 is great fun to drive, the sort of car you might just take out for fun.

On a twisty road the Mazda3 almost has the measure of the Ford Focus, and equals it for ride quality

Entry level models aren't the quickest on the road, though and we recommend spending more on the most powerful models

The front grille design of the Mazda3 can also be seen on the Mazda6 and is one of the strongest examples of corporate design on the market today

Mazda is a company that has traditionally put effort into design and that shows in the way the latest Mazda3 looks from front and rear

Mazda's design language is called KODO- Soul of Motion and has led to some of the most eye-catching concept cars to be seen at the world's motor shows

Narrow headlamps blend with the chrome of the grille, turning them into real design features in themselves.

Its squat style gives the Mazda3 the sense that it's moving forward – family cars don't always look so athletic

And its taut, nimble handling makes sure that its aggressive looks aren't in vain - it's responsive without being hard work

The Mazda3's safety credentials are in no doubt at all, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating and loads of safety equipment standard or optional

Owner satisfaction with the Mazda3 is high and it scores well in our annual Driver Power survey. Mazda as a brand is well thought of

Owners regard the Mazda3 as well built and reliable, and they enjoy the way the car drives, too

Running costs and practicality could be better, though – the Mazda3's results in this area were only average

The 1.5-litre diesel is the most economical and can achieve over 74mpg if driven carefully. However, it's not especially powerful

The 2.2-litre diesel offers far more power, but can still manage almost 70mpg. While a great blend of power and economy, it is a little pricey

If you're expecting to cover a low mileage, you may prefer a petrol model, and there are two to choose from

Both petrol engines are 2.0-litre units, the most powerful promises 163bhp, but can also return over 48mpg if driven gently

The Mazda3 dashboard is modern and well put together, and its sporty instrument cluster has a bit of sports car appeal to it

It's not exactly imaginatively designed in here, though – a little disappointing after the stylish exterior. There will be few complaints about quality, though

The six-speed manual gearbox is one of the car's strong points – it's a real pleasure to use, in keeping with the Mazda3's driving fun

There are several handy storage cubbies inside the Mazda3, including centre-console bottle holders and an air-conditioned glovebox

Boot space is midway between the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, the centre rear seat occupant may feel a little cramped, though

The 350 litre boot has a fairly high loading lip which can make heavy or bulky items a little tricky to lift in and out 

And though the rear seats fold flat, the boot has very few of the clever features that make rivals easy to live with - there are no bag hooks, for instance