What's all this about?

This is the model year 2017 Mazda3, and if you can't tell it from the 2016 Mazda3 well, neither can we to be honest. On the outside, there is only a slightly different grille and lights (which can be specced up with an adaptive LED system), some new colour options, new alloys and new bumpers to tell it apart from the old 3.

Inside, the changes seem even more subtle. Kudos to you if you spotted the new electronic parking brake that frees up some extra space on the centre console, and Mazda is promising improved quality and refinement.

So are the updates mechanical?

Well the engines are largely unchanged, with the range still consisting of 120hp and 165hp 2.0-litre petrols and 105hp 1.5 diesel and 150hp 2.2 diesel, but there are some subtle mechanical updates. Both diesels now come with an anti-lag system called Transient Control, which Mazda says creates a more petrol-like driving experience. Both also now have a device called a Natural Sound Smoother, which is supposed to reduce clatter and knock at start-up and at low speeds. Combined with extra sound-deadening material, that should make the Mazda3 diesels noticeably quieter.

The 3 will also get Mazda's new G-Vectoring Control system, which juggles the torque output of the engine in order to maximise steering response and cornering grip. It's designed to make the 3 feel much more agile without the weight and expense of a mechanical differential.

How much does it cost?

On sale in the UK from 1 October, the 2017 Mazda3 is priced from £17,595 to £24,195.

Neil Briscoe - 7 Sep 2016