Or perhaps it's not such a surprise after all, because Mazda buyers are a knowledgeable group who realise the runout phase is the best time to get in for a good deal. The same thing happened with the Mazda 323 (the predecessor to the Mazda3) when it reached the end of its life in 2004. Younger car buyers may be well advised to heed the reasoning of this older and wiser group...

Australians buy more Mazdas per head of population than people in any other country. So Australia's Mazda importer had a lot of clout when asking the factory to supply the new ‘3 ahead of schedule.

The frontal treatment is very Zoom-Zoom, to use Mazda's advertising slogan, with a huge radiator grille, cheekily shaped headlights and a strongly ridged bonnet. The large grille is a bit of a cheater, though. Despite appearing so large as to harm aerodynamics it’s actually quite small inside and air is carefully managed to give just enough to the engine air intake and cooling system.

Interestingly, the standout tail-lights, that seem to be there purely for styling reasons, actually act as part of the aerodynamic package.

As before, Mazda3 is offered in five-door hatch or four-door sedan format. Both bodies are now larger, being almost the size of the old Mazda 626 in many dimensions. Part of the increased length of the ‘3 has gone into providing crash protection, both for occupants and pedestrians, but interior room is good, with a back seat that can be used by children well into their teenage years.

Of particular interest is the new high-performance model, the Mazda3 SP25. Its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine (122 kW / 227 Nm) is borrowed from the larger Mazda6, but with engine mapping changes to give it sportier throttle response.

We spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel of an SP25 during the press launch of the new ‘3 range in the vicinity of the Albury-Wodonga region straddling the NSW-Victoria border.

There it proved excitingly satisfying motoring with plenty of engine torque, highly responsive turn in, strong braking and a generally willing feel designed to please the driver. The six-speed gearbox, which incidentally is now used on all manual models, has well-selected ratios and there was usually one that was right for the occasion.

Our next test drive was in the entry-level Mazda3 Neo with its 2.0-litre engine (108 kW / 182 Nm) and a five-speed automatic transmission. Naturally we knew it would feel down on power compared with the SP, but were disappointed in its performance. Perhaps it was still too new to give its best, but we really expected more from it. In six-speed manual format, tested next, the 2.0-litre was far more acceptable to our tastes.

Ride comfort and overall refinement was good in all three cars and road-tyre noise on rough back roads and coarse-chip surfaces is generally acceptable.

Mazda3 Neo starts at $21,990 and has air conditioning, a sophisticated trip computer, and MP3 compatible four-speaker audio system with an auxiliary jack.

Next up the list is the Maxx (from $24,990), with 15-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD player with six speakers, cruise control, and a rear spoiler on the hatchback.

The popular Maxx Sport (from $ 27,690) gains a body kit, 16-inch alloys, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a leather trimmed steering wheel and shift lever.

On the safety front, all models have ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and ABS. The Neo has two airbags, all others have four.

The outgoing Mazda3 has consistently been in the top-four overall in sales on the Australian market, actually managing the top spot on one occasion. This new, even more stylish and refined, model should further cement a place in the hearts of many buyers looking for a combination of quality, image and real driving pleasure.