The Mazda 3 was awarded four stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, but although this is good, the majority of newer rivals are now gaining five stars. All cars get ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) plus driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (on all but the entry-level S hatchback), seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, plus both a collapsible steering column and brake pedal.

The rear seats split 60/40 and the backs fold down but aside from that they don’t do anything particularly clever. Still, boot space is reasonable with 346-litres on offer, which is more than the Volkswagen Golf, and storage is a strong point with large cupholders on the centre console and useful door pockets. Unlike other small hatchbacks, there’s no estate version available, although there is a saloon.