The Mazda3 is without a doubt one of the finest compact cars on the market. When the first-gen model debuted back in 2003, it quickly garnered a devout following due its solid performance, handling and overall fun-to-drive factor – traits not normally found in a car of this class. A redesign came in 2009 and the car retained those driving characteristics but the exterior design didn't appeal to everyone. Fast forward to today and we're only a few months away from the launch of the third-gen Mazda3.

These latest images taken by our spy photographers in Germany show a lightly camouflaged hatchback prototype testing, and it's immediately clear that its overall styling, notably the front end, takes after the company's latest models, including the new Mazda6 and CX-5 crossover. In addition, we also have the first image of the car's new dashboard design. More details should come shortly as we get closer to the new Mazda3's anticipated debut at Frankfurt this September.