The Mazda3 has been revamped for 2017 with a series of subtle exterior changes, an updated cabin and the introduction of G-Vectoring Control to the range for the first time.

Externally, the latest Mazda3 features a revised grille, a new front fog light bezel, optional LED headlamp technology and a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel with a choice of two finishes. Across both Hatchback and Sedan (saloon) body styles, revised door mirrors feature wraparound indicators, while Hatchback versions also feature a redesigned rear bumper. 

The 2017 Mazda3 is available in a choice of 9 colours: one all-new to Mazda - Eternal Blue Mica, and two new to the Mazda3 - Sonic Silver and Machine Grey Premium Metallic. The latter of these uses Mazda’s unique TAKUMINURI paint process, which features a reflective, aluminium flake layer only 2.5 microns thick. 

The interior includes higher-quality switch panels and handle bezels on the doors, and a newly designed trim insert on the dashboard. The adoption of an electric parking brake creates space for a more practical centre console, while a new leather steering wheel design is available with a heated rim when specified with leather seats. Both the Active Driving Display and the instrument binnacle dials have been revised to improve the quality and readability of the instruments and the upholstery is available in one of two new types of black fabric, or a choice of black or pure white leather.

Power comes from a choice of 105ps 1.5-litre or 150ps 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engines, alongside a petrol line-up that includes 120ps and 165ps versions of the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G. These Euro 6-compliant power units are mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The two turbodiesel engines are fitted with High-Precision DE Boost Control, a Natural Sound Smoother (NSS) and Natural Sound Frequency Control - to sharpen engine responsiveness, improve quietness and enhance driving quality, says Mazda.

Mazda says that overall refinement has been substantially improved across the Mazda3 range with added noise suppression material in the doors, console and transmission tunnel area. There are also optimised door seals and additional vibration damping materials between the rear cross-members.

Making its debut on the Mazda3 is G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which varies engine torque to optimise load on each wheel for more precise handling and improved comfort. Revisions to the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension have focused on delivering improved ride comfort and reducing vibration, says Mazda, while at the same time enhancing handling.

Equipped with an enhanced and expanded range of driver-supporting safety technologies, the new Mazda3 has been awarded the maximum five-star Euro-NCAP crashworthiness rating. The adoption of a new, forward sensing camera facilitates an enhanced Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) and Smart Brake Support (SBS) systems, and a new Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) function.

Now able to detect pedestrians in addition to vehicles, Advanced SCBS features an expanded detection distance and a wider view angle, and the upper limit at which it operates has increased to 80 km/h. SBS also has a wider speed range for automatic braking, its upper limit increasing to 160 km/h.

On sale now in the UK, the 2017 Mazda3 is priced from £17,595 to £24,195 on-the-road.