Look: Everyone's favourite hatchback, the 2020 Mazda 3, in pictures!

There was a time when hatchback’s didn’t feature much of the latest tech and they were not fun to drive either. However, the Mazda3 has always bucked that trend...

It usually takes a carmaker several attempts to get a particular model right but when Mazda launched the 3 in 2003, it impressed from the very beginning...

The 3 has been designed with a ‘less is more philosophy’ and the busy character lines of the predecessor have been replaced by a simpler, more athletic look

Think of it as a mature interpretation of its Kodo design language; it comprises swooping curves and creases that blend perfectly with one another while the outstanding Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint on our tester gives it more of a wow factor.

That simplistic approach carries over into the cabin too; there is a deliberate lack of buttons here and it’s evident that Mazda has tried and indeed succeeded in creating a more upscale and luxurious feel while also improving ergonomics and layout.

The tech highlights include an all-new letterbox-style 8.8in infotainment system (controlled by a rotary dial behind the gear lever) with impressive graphics and fast response making it far better than the older system. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility while the Bose sound system benefits from a more strategic speaker positioning. There are dual USB ports, a push-button start, electronic parking brake, and ample storage.

Those red leather seats don't just look good - they're very comfortable and they also hold you in place too when you drive a little more spiritedly.

And there is room for three adults in the second row too, and in total, it can accommodate five passengers.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four mated to a six-speed auto which produces 153 horses and 200Nm of torque.

It rides on Mazda’s latest Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture which boast a platform that isn’t just stronger but allows less noise, vibration, and harshness to enter the cabin too. The chassis gets a torsion-beam rear suspension in place of the multi-link but which might seem like a technological step backwards but this doesn’t strip the hatchback of its famously fun driving dynamics, even though it is a cost-cutting measure.

The chassis, throttle response and steering are set up for sporty driving but when you hit the Sport mode it changes the shifting strategy of the automatic and holds a gear through the corners while downshifting on heavy braking.

It’s a little family car but with a thrilling edge and although it has plenty of competition from the likes of the Renault Megane, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla but it has more than enough about it to hold its own.