Small family cars are strutting their sporting credentials in ever-increasing numbers, even if it is more in the way of a muscular look, rather than under-bonnet biceps.

These modest machines need to stay climate-friendly, after all, and marques such as Mazda, which launches the new 3 range in spring, aims to satisfy buyers on all fronts.

The all-new Mazda3 blends a sporty design with equally feisty handling, yet comes with top-notch environmental consideration as standard.

Aggressive is the word Mazda uses to describe the new 3′s silhouette, and a more purposeful single front grille further defines the car’s sporty nature and links it directly to racy roadster the RX-8.

The Mazda3 will come in four trim levels in Britain with equipment lists running from the extensive to the excellent.

Base grade gets traction control, front, side and curtain airbags, electric door mirrors, a tilt and telescope steering wheel, and a CD player with MP3 capability.

There’s a new 2.2-litre turbo diesel in high and standard power versions, a 1.6-litre turbo diesel, a 2.0-litre petrol, and a 1.6-litre petrol.

They all offer good mpg returns and low C02 emissions, and will help the marque build on the success of the first-generation model.

That was launched in 2003, and quickly became Mazda’s best-selling vehicle, reaching the one-million units production mark faster than any previous Mazda, before finding more than two million customers worldwide, and winning more than 90 international awards.

As for the new Mazda3 – details of pricing and full specifications will be released just before the launch.

If a sporty family car with more of a pedigree is preferred, then Alfa Romeo’s new compact car, just out in the UK, is well worth a look.

By Sharon Walters