Buying into a model range at the entry-level often guarantees mediocrity. You get an engine that's the runt of the litter and you'll often find your car ruthlessly 'de-contented' with galling switch blanks where the electric gizmos of more upscale models typically reside. The Mazda3 is different. Opt for the entry-level 1.4-litre variant and whatever trim level you choose, you'll be treated to a car that's fun in its own right and comes replete with a decent complement of kit.

Although the 84bhp 1.4-litre powerplant is the most modest of the three petrol powered engines that are offered for sale in the UK, the prices being asked look distinctly reasonable. Kicking off at £11,415 in S trim and moving up to £12,715 for the TS, the Mazda compares favourably with cars like the Peugeot 307 and the Renault Megane.

Even the base S version offers an exceptional level of standard safety and security features such as anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist plus front side airbags and a category one alarm/immobiliser. This specification list compares with the class best and that's before taking into consideration the Mazda3 1.4-litre's low overall 'whole life' costs which are helped by very low insurance ratings, beefy projected residual values and low cost replacement parts. Mazda sales are currently riding high and it's no coincidence. The TS model adds manual air conditioning and curtain airbags as well as 15-inch alloy wheels and a CD stereo. Upgraded upholstery, a map reading light, a driver's lumbar support and wheel-mounted audio controls also feature.

It's fair to say the engine isn't the most exciting powerplant we've ever come across, but it'll return some respectable figures. You can expect to average nearly 40mpg and CO2 emissions are a fair 157g/km. With a top speed of 106mph, the Mazda won't leave you embarrassed when you hit the outside lane of the motorway although it won't win any awards for sprinting, taking 14 seconds to hit 60mph. Much of this is down to the fact that the Mazda is a surprisingly big car for such a modest engine to propel.

"With a top speed of 106mph the Mazda won't leave you embarrassed when you hit the outside lane of the motorway"

The slinky shape will probably appeal to younger drivers looking for something with five doors but with a dash of panache. Mazda's designers are currently in a bit of a purple patch and it's been a while since we've seen a clumsy shape emerge from the company's design studios. Think of it as a longer and sleeker looking Audi A3 silhouette and you're not too far off the mark. The chunky C-pillar is probably the most distinctive styling signature and the complexity of the design suggests it would have been very easy to get wrong, but the little Mazda pulls it off nicely.

If the exterior hits the spot, the same can be said of the cabin. The interior is very similar to the Mazda6 insofar as it offers a resolutely modern design with decent levels of equipment coupled with materials quality that's rather variable. Although the fabrics and leather trimming of the test car were beyond reproach, some of the dash plastics felt a little lightweight. The steering wheel and overlapping aluminium-rimmed dials look very sporting and there are some nicely detailed metallic touches dotted about the cabin. The minor controls on the centre console are all very easy to get to grips with and upspec models feature an LCD screen that rises out of the dash top to house functions such as satellite navigation.

Although the changes to the latest revised version are difficult to spot, they're extremely extensive. The exterior benefits from tiny changes to the front grille, lights, alloy wheels and colour palette while the cabin gets more equipment, a higher quality feel for the instrument panel, revised trim materials and the option of a keyless go entry system. Much of the development budget has been spent on targeting the three issues identified by existing Mazda3 customers as requiring attention, namely refinement at speed, fuel economy and luggage capacity. The refined aero package has helped to reduce fuel economy by up to 6 per cent, a revised boot on the saloon model has eased access to the luggage bay but these are small improvements. The area where Mazda can really award themselves a gold star is refinement at cruising speed. Although a 1.4 decibel reduction in cabin noise may sound like pretty small beer, the scientifically-minded amongst you will know that 3 decibels represents a doubling of noise, so this model really is way quieter than its predecessor.

Interior accommodation is middle ranking, Mazda perhaps deciding that if customers in this price range really want to maximise the sheer amount of cubic inches available in the cabin, they'll likely opt for a mini-MPV. The Mazda3 isn't huge in the back and the small rear doors don't open particularly wide. Headroom is very good, despite the swoopy styling. The front pair of passengers should have no difficulty getting comfortable although one drawback of the thick rear pillars is somewhat limited rear three-quarter visibility when reversing or doing a 'lifesaver' check when switching lane. Straight off the bat it's apparent where the advances are, with refinement and general drivetrain smoothness being a standout feature of the Mazda3. The five-speed manual gearbox is one of the slickest in class, although as the sector is dominated by many Volkswagen group 'boxes, that's perhaps not saying much.

This focus on refinement and civility come at the expense of ultimate handling capabilities. Although this chassis may well be sharpened up in sportier versions, the Mazda3 doesn't feel on home turf if hurled through a series of corners with extreme prejudice. The controls feel well weighted but keen drivers will yearn for a little more feedback and response. That can probably be engineered in with beefed up springs, lower profile tyres and industrial-strength anti-roll bars but for the time being, the Mazda3 should be applauded for bringing big car ride quality into a manageable sized package.

There's a lot of very average cars in the Mazda's corner of the market and knocking over a few ageing stiffs shouldn't prove too much of a mission. There are, however, also a few items of genuine quality, one of which includes the Mazda's distant cousin, the Ford Focus - the car that notches up astronomical sales figures in this country. Think of the Mazda as an alternative Focus, offering better safety provision and more equipment for similar prices and you'll see why the company are so optimistic about its chances. The 1.4-litre engine might not be exceptional in any respect but it's a decent all rounder if you can't stretch to the punchier 1.6-litre powerplant.