Both models share the same new, longer wheelbase – which, at 2,700mm, is 60mm longer than the current model and the longest in the C-segment according to Mazda – but the new fastback is 120mm longer than the hatchback and offers boot space of 419 litres and a wider boot opening. The saloon also features a different roof, rear window, rear wings and boot lid in a design. Both models have rear seat backrests that fold almost flat.

The new Mazda3 has also been designed to offer among the best aerodynamics on the market, as well as reduced kerb weights compared to the old model. Combined with the brand’s high efficiency SKYACTIV engines and transmissions, this enables the new Mazda3 to deliver impressive fuel economy and emissions figures. 

Engine choices comprise three naturally-aspirated high-compression petrols and one turbocharged diesel – all fitted with i-stop, Mazda’s idle-stop system, as standard. 

The 148bhp SKYACTIV-D clean diesel offers significantly reduced nitrogen oxide (NOX) and soot emissions along with 280lb.ft of torque at 1,800rpm and fuel economy and CO2 emission figures for the fastback of 72.4mpg and 104g/km (manual), and 58.8mpg and 127g/km (hatchback automatic).

The new Mazda3 also features the new 99bhp SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with the six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox, which delivers up to 56.4mpg (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions from 118g/km.

There’s also a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine available in standard (118bhp) and high power (163bhp) versions as the replacement to the 2.0-litre MZR DISI i-stop hatchback. The lower-powered version offers 55.3mpg and 119g/km (manual) and 50.4mpg and 129g/km (automatic) while figures are 48.7mpg and 135g/km for the high power engine.

Watch the latest Mazda3 video here.