With the previous-generation Mada3 small car regularly featuring in Australia’s list of best-selling new vehicles, it is of upmost importance for Mazda that the new generation can build on the momentum created by the current version, which finished 2018 as the best-selling model for the brand and the fourth-best selling model in the overall market.

For the new model, the Japanese car-maker has placed a huge emphasis on making marked improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, as well as a more upmarket feel to take on the likes of Volkswagen’s Golf hatch.

With a higher point of entry compared to its predecessor, does the new Mazda3 hatch have what it takes to continue its run of Australian sales success?