The Mazda 3 is one of the most appealing compact hatchbacks we can think of. Great to look at and good to drive, it?s also very well equipped and offered with innovative petrol engines that help to keep running costs low. Add in a cabin with real wow factor and it should definitely be on your shortlist. As standard, every Mazda 3 comes with a very high level of advanced safety features, which helped it towards a maximum five-star rating when tested by Euro NCAP in 2019. On top of the usual airbags (including one for the driver?s knees) and electronic driver aids, every version has an automatic emergency braking system, a blind-spot monitoring function and rear cross-traffic alert. There?s also traffic sign recognition, a radar-based cruise control system and a driver alertness function that warns you if it senses you?re getting sleepy at the wheel.