The model will be available in both hatchback and saloon – or “fastback” – bodystyles and will offer a ‘generous’ level of equipment along with SKYACTIV low-emission technology.

Both bodystyles sit on a longer wheelbase and are 40mm wider and 15mm lower than the current model, with the fastback offering an extra 120mm in length at 4,580mm.

As well as boasting some of the best aerodynamics in the market according to the carmaker, the new Mazda3 is lighter than the current model and is said to be among the lightest in the segment.

More efficient engines are also on offer. The UK market will gain a choice of three naturally-aspirated petrol powerplants and one turbocharged diesel – all fitted with i-stop, Mazda’s idle-stop system, as standard.

The line-up includes a brand-new 99bhp SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre petrol engine, delivering up to 55.4mpg (combined cycle), with CO2 emissions from 119g/km (hatchback).

There will also be a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre available in standard (118bhp) and high power (163bhp) versions. Figures for the standard power are 55.4mpg and 119g/km (manual) and 50.4mpg and 128g/km (automatic), while the high-power version delivers 48.7mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 135g/km.

Of interest to fleets, will be a 148bhp SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre clean diesel which delivers 280lb.ft of torque at 1,800rpm, with fuel economy up to 72.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 104g/km. Mazda also promises significantly reduced nitrogen oxide (NOX) and soot emissions.

The brand also says the new model will be one of the first in Europe to take occupants online and will include an array of free mobile online content such as Facebook and Twitter audio feeds as well as Aha, with tens of thousands of cloud-based stations, from radio to audio books and more.

The new Mazda3 also gets an optimised Human-Machine Interface (HMI), which includes Active Driving Display, Mazda’s new head-up display, and a new design of rotary commander enabling a safe operation of infotainment functions.

On display at Mazda’s stand at Frankfurt will be a high-mileage example of the new model, which will have been driven directly from the factory at Hiroshima in Japan as one of eight Mazda3 hatchbacks to have completed the “Mazda Route3 Hiroshima-Frankfurt Challenger Tour 2013” across Russia, Belarus and Poland.