Mazda launched the current version of their family hatchback, the 3, in 2013 during what were troubling times for the Japanese manufacturer. Tasked with helping to turn the firm’s European fortunes around it needed to be good, and it was.

Three years on and in order to allow the 3 to keep up its good work Mazda have introduced some revisions to the range that bring sharper styling, additional equipment, improved technology, cleaner and more efficient diesel engines and revised suspension.

The 2017 models wear a revised grille – metallic black on top of the range Sport Nav models – and signature wing that provide a stronger three-dimensional. Sport Nav models wear distinctive LED headlights and LED daytime running lights while new mirrors now feature turn indicator lights that sweep further round to the front. At the rear, hatchback models have a redesigned bumper that has a larger body coloured area for a cleaner and sharper look.

All Mazda3s have alloy wheels, front and rear powered windows, chrome side mouldings, a shark-fin antenna, body-coloured auto power folding door mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, DAB radio, USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming. Sport Nav versions also benefit from front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, smart keyless entry and Bose audio.

Revised dampers have improved ride comfort, reduced vibration and enhanced feel, while changes to the front anti-roll bar bushings create a smoother roll movement at turn in. G-Vectoring control makes its debut on the 3. It varies the amount the engine torque in response to steering inputs, optimising the vertical load on each wheel to make the motion of the vehicle smoother and more natural.

The changes inside are more obvious and no less significant with a clearer instrument cluster, revised switch panel, a new high-quality leather steering wheel that, when combined with the optional leather seats, is heated.

The seven-inch infotainment touchscreen remains the centrepiece of the cabin with advanced web connectivity integrating social media and internet radio. Connecting a smartphone to the system via Bluetooth offers real-time access to infotainment services from Aha and Stitcher.

The Sport Nav models also benefit from an improved colour head up display with greater resolution and improved brightness. For the first time it also includes traffic sign recognition.

Overall there has been an obvious improvement in cabin quality as Mazda inevitably push the 3 further upmarket. The passenger space was already one of the best appointed in the class and the revisions further cement its position.

The adoption of an electronic parking brake frees up space for a twin cup-holder while the door pockets are wider and deeper. The boot is capacious – the hatchback can swallow 364 litres (1,263 with the standard 60:40 split rear seats stowed away) while the Fastback can accommodate 419 litres – so there’s ample room for the weekly shop and all the other odds and ends that accumulate in a family runaround.

The current Mazda3 has always been one of the most distinctive and best handling cars in its class and what appear, at first glance, to be minor revisions are more than enough to ensure that, despite increasingly competent competition in the family hatchback class, it retains its well-deserved ranking.

Mazda3 Fastback 2.0 120ps Sport Nav

Price: £20,645

As tested: £22,315

Engine: 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G, four-cylinder, in-line, DOHC, 16 valves

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power: 120ps @ 6,000rpm

Max torque: 210Nm @ 4,000rpm

Max speed: 123mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 8.8sec

Combined: 55.5mpg

Emissions (CO2): 119g/km

For more information visit www.mazda.co.uk