Of new Mazda CX-30 Takami

But in typical Mazda fashion, the company also says that data points don't really communicate the advantages.

SkyActiv-X could have been configured for astonishing fuel economy, but that would be at the expense of performance. And vice versa.

It says the real benefit of this new technology is in dramatically improved driveability and economy over the broadest possible range of driving conditions.

Well, it would say that, right? But after a day driving the new SkyActiv-X generation back-toback with their SkyActiv-G 2.5l equivalents, it's hard to disagree. There's a noticeably more muscular feel to the powerplant at low revs (it gets a 5-6kW bump from the mild hybrid system at times as well) which is undermined only by the occasionally staccato six-speed automatic gearbox - Mazda has all kinds of arguments why six is the right number of ratios but SkyActivX would be magic with a seven or eight-speed.

The impressive cardio work continues through the mid-range and SkyActiv really does rev nicely up top, with a much better soundtrack than the SkyActiv-G unit. It's actually a lot quieter in the Mazda3 than the CX-30 - but perhaps the latter has more of a sense of aural purpose.

Of course, the big dynamic difference between the Mazda3 and CX-30 Takami models is that the latter is AWD, allowing you to deploy the power with a bit more enthusiasm on wet roads.

Aside from being our first chance to sample SkyActiv-X on local roads, the drive day was also a chance to drive Mazda3 and CX-30 back-to-back.

Now, I know everybody buys SUVs these days (essentially, the CX-30 is an SUV version of the Mazda3) but I came away more certain than ever that the Three is the jewel in Mazda's crown. Sensational looking, composed, refined and now unquestionably high-tech, I'd argue the Mazda3 Takami is not only now the most impressive thing Mazda makes, it's also one of the most desirable premium hatchbacks you can buy.