I'M going to stick my neck out and put the Mazda3 at the top of the small family car class.

Its right up there with the £3,400 more expensive VW Golf in almost every way, and far better looking, with all those beautiful curves.

I recently drove the mid-range SE Nav, powered by a 120bhp version of the company's excellent 2.0-litre petrol engine.

It's a gem, giving an excellent 44mpg even though I drove it fairly hard across country and on the motorway, coming back from a trip to the west country.

The engine is smooth and punchy although it needs to be revved to get the best performance.

But that's a joy when it sounds so beautiful! It will also trickle along in sixth gear at near tickover and pull away without a murmer.

Over all kinds of by-road and A-road surfaces, it was very comfortable, and the handling and roadholding are absolutely brilliant, with tremendous grip and lovely safe balance.

Inside, its rather plain, but all the equipment is high quality and the fit and finish is excellent.