8: Mazda 3 – now offering premium-class cabins for mass-market prices

Mazda has been knocking it out of the park of late and the new 3 is arguably the pinnacle of that process, especially in five-door hatchback form.

It’s good inside too with tremendous quality and comfort. It’s not too much of a stretch to suggest that Mazda is now offering premium-class cabins for mass-market prices. And, yes, it’s fun to drive with talkative steering and the sort of chassis balance you’d expect from a company that also makes the MX-5.

The 2.0-litre mild-hybrid is the best all-rounder, although long-haul drivers will appreciate the extra economy of 1.8 diesel. The jury’s still out on the high-tech ‘SkyActiv-X’ engine which supposedly mixes petrol refinement and cleanliness with diesel economybut it’s definitely promising.

Best model: Mazda 3 2.0 M Hybrid five-door GT for €31,670.