This is the new Mazda 3 - the hatchback set to battle the Focus, Astra et al from 2009. It will get its world debut at the Bologna show on December 3, and thanks to its smart looks it has a better than ever chance of glory due to the restrained redesigns of the VW Golf and Renault Megane, both of which lost out in the European car of the year award.

The outgoing 3 did well in the 2004 awards, tucking in a close second behind the Fiat Panda. It has been quite the success for Mazda, making up a third of the brand's sales.

Changes ushered in for the mk2 include sweepier, more dramatic styling (previewed by the saloon, which is at the LA Auto Show this week) and some weight-saving measures. The latter have led to the new Mazda 2 receiving a lot of critical acclaim and sales success, and helps Mazda buck the trend of cars getting bigger and heavier, weight being the biggest killer of performance and efficiency.

There's a decent engine range, with the existing 1.6 and 2-litre petrols and 1.6-litre diesel joined by a all-new 2.2-litre diesel, which meets Euro5 regulations and offers either 148 or 182bhp guises, while also slicing the emissions and fuel consumption of the current 2-litre.

The 3 will go on sale next year, priced from around £11,000.