The Mazda3 was launched in 2013 – finding its way to the UK in 2014 – with the unenviable task of turning the fortunes of the Japanese firm around and, with global production passing the five-million mark way back in April 2016 you could argue that it’s accomplished that mission.

In 2017 the 3 was updated with a subtle evolution of its KODO: Soul of Motion design, now wearing a revised grille and signature wing to provide a stronger three-dimensional appearance. Sport Nav models, like the one reviewed here, feature a horizontal LED running strip across the redesigned fog light surround, while new mirrors now feature a 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.

Inside the changes 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 as 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 tested here 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.

Mazdas have always justifiably been lauded for their poise and handling and the 3 is no exception. The steering is direct and informative making it relatively easy, even for a novice driver, to exploit the talented chassis and generous amount of front end grip.

The brakes are excellent, providing consistent braking force while the six-speed manual is as slick and precise as they come, not that you’ll be swapping cogs too often because the 2.2-litre diesel pulls well from low down and shows great flexibility right across the power band.

In fact, the car feels quicker than the 8.1-second 0-62mph time suggests and, in my humble opinion, is probably just about worthy of the Sport moniker.

The diesel’s flexibility – as well as its excellent refinement – means that the 3 is a competent long-range cruiser. The ride is absorbent, cosseting, and there’s very little intrusive noise to complain about, either from the engine or other exterior sources.

The current Mazda3 is five years old now and it’s even starting to feel like an age since it received its mid-life revisions but, the fact is, it has lost none of its lustre. It still feels like a premium product and its ride and handling remain a highlight. It’s facing ever-tougher competition but if you’re one of the diminishing number of people who aren’t trading their hatchbacks for compact SUVs, the Mazda3 still deserves a place on your list of maybes.

Mazda3 2.2 150ps Sport Nav Diesel

Price: £23,695

As tested: £24,245

Engine: 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-G, four-cylinder, in-line, DOHC, 16 valves

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power: 150ps @ 6,000rpm

Max torque: 380Nm @ 1,800rpm

Max speed: 130mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 8.1sec

Combined: 68.9mpg

Emissions (CO2): 107g/km

For more information visit www.mazda.co.uk