Mazda 3 video (sponsored)

Sponsored video: Full review of the Mazda 3.

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Anyone looking for a small family hatchback is faced with a bewildering array of choices, but one that we would highly recommend that you have on your shortlist is the Mazda 3. That's why it was highly commended at the Auto Express New Car Awards this year.

A key selling point is the way it looks, using what Mazda calls its 'Kodo Soul of Motion' design language, which translates into a sporty look. It has worked to great effect on the Mazda 3, making many of its rivals seem dull in comparison. Some compromises are made thanks to this design, such as rear space and the size of the boot, but there's always the Mazda 3 Fastback for a larger boot.

Inside, there's a stylish dash design with neat touches like a touchscreen with swivel-wheel controller, plus sporty dials with digital gauges and a large speedo which gives some indication as to what the Mazda 3 is like on the road.

The Mazda 3 is without doubt one of the best handling front-wheel drive cars on the road. It has great balance, plenty of grip and sharp steering - so it's no surprise it's come from the same people who brought us the MX-5. The ride is on the firm side, but by no means uncomfortable.

Engines in the Mazda 3 are refined and responsive, plus the diesels are especially efficient and economical. Mazda has made the 3 as cheap to run as possible by applying it with its SKYACTIV technology - one of the highlights of which is i-Eloop, which recovers lost energy under braking and stores it through capacitors to run the car's electrical systems.

Mazda has a great reputation for reliability, so it comes as no surprise that the Mazda 3 finished in the top 25 in this year's Driver Power customer satisfaction survey which suggests it'll be reliable and trouble-free to run. In fact, we ran one on our fleet for six months which led us to giving it a commendation in the Auto Express New Car Awards 2014.

If you're looking for a car in this segment, the Mazda 3 absolutely deserves to be on your shortlist.