The vehicle information provider’s forecast suggests that the Mazda3 will retain up to 37% of its value at three years/60,000 miles, comfortably out performing key competitors.

The new model will be available in two body styles – hatchback and Fastback (saloon) – and will offer a choice of three petrol and one diesel engine all featuring Mazda's SKYACTIV technology.

According to CAP’s data, the highest RVs will be commanded by hatchback models in both 2.2-litre 148bhp SE-L Nav (£20,990) guise and 2.2-litre 148bhp Sport Nav (£22,090), both of which are forecast to retain 37% of their value at £7,800 and £8,100 respectively at the benchmark three years/60,000 miles.

Within the diesel Fastback line-up, residual values are led by the 2.2-litre 148bhp SE-L Nav (£21,290) and the 2.2-litre 148bhp Sport Nav (£22,090), which CAP forecasts will each retain 35% of their value at £7,475 and £7,750 respectively at three years/60,000 miles.

Likewise, the all-new Mazda3 petrol engine hatchback and Fastback models are expected to retain up to 35% of their value at three years/60,000 miles, according to CAP.

The valuation experts predict that the residual value pacesetters will be the 2.0-litre 5dr hatchback 118bhp SE petrol (£16,940) retaining 35%/£5,950 with a similar percentage value being retained by the other 2.0-litre petrol engine models.

CAP forecasting editor (cars) Jeff Knight said: ‘As another iteration of the KODO design, all‑new Mazda3 creates a genuinely distinctive look and feel for a C-sector car.

‘It's wider and lower, giving it a more assured road presence – a visual appeal that has already paid off for the new Mazda6.

‘Inside there are obvious improvements in the materials used and in the car's build quality. An increase in interior space has also been achieved, which will be attractive to buyers.

‘Allied with lightweight SKYACTIV technology, a well-specified car with a 148bhp diesel engine offering from just 104g/km of CO2 is a genuinely interesting and competitive player in a heavily crowded sector.’