The Mazda 3 hatchback 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, seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, plus both a collapsible steering column and brake pedal.

This is where the 3 saloon makes less sense than the hatchback. The lack of a tailgate mean it’s not as versatile as the five-door model and although the boot opening is quite large – the load area itself is quite short. That said, on paper it actually has more boot room with 413 litres (compared to 346 litres), but in everyday situations the hatchback is easier to use.

On the plus side, a low lip means it’s easy to get to and the seats have a 60/40 split and fold flat for extra space.