AFTER the news that one Japanese carmaker, Honda, is struggling to find their way in today’s fast-evolving automotive world, it is refreshing to see another manufacturer from the land of the rising sun bringing out the next generation of a car which has done well for the brand in the UK since its launch here in 2003.

Having made its debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show, Mazda has announced UK pricing and specification for the all-new Mazda3 hatchback. Available to order in the UK now, the all-new Mazda3 is the first of the Japanese firm’s next-generation vehicles and reflects the very latest in Mazda’s engineering, design and manufacturing.

Sure to turn heads when it arrives in the UK in May, the all-new Mazda3 hatchback’s exterior styling adopts a more mature interpretation of the brand’s KODO design to deliver a sporty and emotional hatchback form that exemplifies Mazda’s artful design and clean Japanese aesthetics.

Offered initially with either a 122ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol or 116ps Skyactiv-D diesel engine, the UK model line-up sees a choice of five trim levels: SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv-X Spark Controlled Compression Ignition engine and the Saloon model will join the range later in the year.

Specified with a level of standard equipment never seen before on a Mazda hatchback, the all-new Mazda3 features high-end technology such as a windscreen projecting colour head-up display with Traffic Sign Recognition, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and LED headlights across the range. Every model in the line-up also features navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and an advanced eight-speaker audio system.

From SE-L Lux onwards highlights include a reversing camera, smart keyless entry, heated front seats, while Sport Lux sees the high-class cabin enhanced with additional chrome detailing, a frameless rear view mirror and rear privacy glass. GT Sport sees the introduction of black leather seats with power adjustment, a heated steering wheel and Bose audio, while the range-topping GT Sport Tech features a suite of additional active safety equipment, including a 360 degree camera and Driver Attention Alert with interior camera.

With the exception of the flagship GT Sport Tech model, which is matched exclusively with the 122ps Skyactiv-G engine, all trims are offered with both diesel and petrol engines, while a choice between manual and automatic gearboxes is offered across the entire range.

Pricing for the all-new Mazda3 starts at £20,595 on the road for the entry level 122ps SE-L with the range-topping 116ps GT Sport Auto Diesel priced at £27,735.