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The new Mazda3 may well be the best-handling Japanese compact sedanAmong Japanese car-makers, no brand is as serious as Mazda when it comes to driving performance.迷利倉And there is no better proof of that than the new Mazda3.Gone is the "smiley" design of the previous model. In its place is Mazda's "Kodo" styling language, with more purposeful lines and an aggressive grille.The 3 now resembles its larger sibling, the mid-sized Mazda6.The new Mazda3 (both hatchback and saloon) is about the same size as its predecessor. But its wheelbase is 60mm longer and its body is 40mm wider. Cabin space is therefore more generous.Beneath the vehicle's sportier sheet metal is a new chassis that utilises 10 per cent more high-tensile steel than the previous model. The use of strong but lightweight material is part of Mazda's SkyActiv technology, which optimises the car's body and chassis, engine and transmission.The hatchback variant tested is powered by a 2-litre SkyActiv power plant with a sky-high compression ratio of 13 to 1. This allows the engine to be more efficient because increasing the combustion pressure means increasing the force of the pistons' downward stroke. The result is more power from the same amount of petrol injected into the cylinders.In contrast to the old 2-litre motor which produced 147bhp and 185Nm, this unit delivers 155bhp and 200Nm, with an average fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km - 15 per cent less than before.But more importantly, the SkyActiv unit is more responsive than the older motor. Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, it is virtually tugging at the leash, despite its slightly tinny vocals. Give the throttle迷你倉a firm prod and the revs seem to leap, rather than climb, making the previous 3 feel lackadaisical.The 3's real strength, though, lies in its agility. Sitting 15mm closer to the ground and armed with a more rigid body than its predecessor, the new car feels more nimble and better balanced.Turn-in is sharper, with a steering ratio that minimises steering effort.Indeed, the 3 is in its element tackling the twisty stretches of the Australian Automotive Research Centre.The new car does not compromise on comfort either. Its cabin is more comfortable, with better insulation against noise, vibration and harshness. According to Mazda, in addition to improving the vehicle's aerodynamics, its engineers also selected trim materials and seat cushions that absorb noise and vibration better.The coolest onboard feature is the car's MZD Connect infotainment system. Accessing the satellite-navigation, Bluetooth telephony and hi-fi functions is now done using a multi-directional rotary knob (like BMW's iDrive) found below the gearshift lever. Menu navigation is easy as there are not too many sub- menus. And the 7-inch monitor boasts vibrant colours.To further minimise driver distraction, Mazda has fitted the 3 with head-up display. This will undoubtedly be introduced to other Mazdas.The new model is due here in the middle of next year. Enthusiasts should temper their expectations though. Because Cat B COEs are expected to be substantially higher than Cat A next year, Mazda is likely to offer only the base 1.5-litre variant instead of the more exciting 2-litre model.stlife@sph.com.sgThe writer is with Torque, a motoring monthly published by SPH Magazines.自存倉