LOOKING fresh-faced and sleek a new version of Mazda's best selling hatchback will be on sale in May.
The next generation Mazda3 is out to cut a dash in more ways than one with aggressive styling and new engines.
Priced from £13,000 to £20,000, the car will build on the standards which have helped build Mazda's 'zoom zoom' reputation as a fun brand.
The £11,000 1.4-litre model from the current line up is being dropped with the new range featuring a 1.6-litre 105bhp engine as the starting point.
It will be joined by 1.6-litre diesels, a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel developing up to 185bhp.
With turmoil on the world's money markets Mazda is not confirming actual prices until closer to the on-sale date but running costs will be reduced thanks to lower emissions.
The 1.6 diesel version has CO2 emissions of 119g/km meaning private buyers will pay only £35 a year in road tax.
Across the range emissions are down and later in the year a stop/start engine will be introduced on the 2.0-litre petrol cutting its CO2 output to 159g/km from 189.
Best fuel economy comes from the smaller diesel which Mazda claims can average almost 63mpg.
But it is not just on the eco front where Mazda has cleaned up its act. The new version of the Mazda3 is a huge step forward when it comes to styling and interior features.
Its lines are more angular and definitely sporty. The car looks good from any angle.
Pronounced air scoops below the headlamps produce a distinctive image - and that is enhanced on higher specification Sport models with even larger ducts.
Inside there is a completely new instrument layout which is well thought out, smart and functional.
Where sat nav is fitted - which is standard on the two and 2.2-litre Sport versions - the display is contained in a four-inch screen mounted at the back of the dashboard in a curved cut out behind the steering wheel.
It sits alongside the trip computer and cabin temperature displays and can be read at a glance while being operated via controls fitted on the steering wheel.
From a driver's point of view it's composed and relaxing while the car itself handles extremely well.
The Mazda3 has always delivered a good ride but the latest version sets new standards - and so it should since the underpinnings of this new car will be shared with the next Ford Focus as a result of Ford's investment in the Japanese car maker.
All the engines are lively and acceptably quiet, even the diesels. Before the high performance MPS version arrives, which again is later in the year, the quickest will be the 185bhp 2.2-litre diesel with a 0 to 60 acceleration of 8.2 seconds and top speed of 134mph.
A lower power version of the 2.2 engine will also be available developing 150bhp which adds a second to the 0 to 60 time but improves fuel economy from 50.4 to 52.3 mpg.
Automatic transmission will be offered on the 2.0-litre petrol engine and although the five speed box is an improvement on previous Mazda autos it is still not as slick as it could be. Tiptronic manual changes are from the gear lever only and there are no steering wheel paddle shifters.
The 2.2-litre diesel uses a six speed manual box while the others make do with five gears.
All models have electronic stability and traction control, air conditioning and connections for MP3 players.
Dual zone climate control is fitted to the bottom but one TS trim version while automatic lamps and wipers, cruise control, heated front seats and Bluetooth phone connection comes as standard on the higher specification TS2 models.
The top range Sport version has keyless entry, LED tail lights as well as extra body kit and an upgraded BOSE sound system among its extra goodies.
Luggage space is an acceptable 340 litres (1,360 with the rear seats folded) but that is reduced slightly when the BOSE system is fitted to accommodate the additional equipment.
A saloon version will also be available with a 430 litre boot but the rear seats are fixed.
With its good looks and impeccable handling the Mazda3 is now more than a credible alternative to the likes of the Focus, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf.
More importantly the interior is setting new standards making this a car which is well placed to cater for those who are downsizing from larger models.