Mazda has confirmed its Mazda 3 SkyActiv-X will go on sale in the UK this October, with prices starting from £23,555. The car boasts a new petrol engine uses intense cylinder pressure to combust the fuel-air mixture at low rpm, like a diesel engine, with spark plugs take over at higher engine speeds.

The all-new supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain produces 178bhp and 224Nm of torque, providing a 0–62mph time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 134mph. It’s available with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, while higher-specced models can be had with four-wheel-drive.

Mazda claims the next-generation engine will offer petrol performance and responsiveness with diesel fuel economy and emissions. The front-wheel-drive manual variant provides a claimed 51.4mpg and emits 103g/km of CO2, providing comparable fuel economy and improved emissions figures over the equivalent Volkswagen Golf.

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A further two engines are offered in the Mazda 3, with buyers given the choice of either a SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol or a SkyActiv-D 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The former unit is priced from £20,595 and produces 119bhp and 213Nm of torque, while the latter starts at £22,395, producing respective performance figures of 112bhp and 270Nm.

Five trim levels (SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech) make up the range. All models come fitted as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED tail lights, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, a blind spot monitoring system and radar-guided cruise control.