Launched in 2003 on a platform shared with the Ford Focus,->ke440 the Mazda3 was generally well received for its performance, handling, and styling. It was often described as feeling like a more expensive compact despite its value-oriented sticker, a feat that continued in the second-generation model as well. After a decade of using Ford->ke31 underpinnings, the Mazda3->ke504 finally received a Mazda-->ke53developed platform in 2013, the same year the compact adopted the "KODO: Soul of Motion" design language.

Having already received its mid-cycle facelift for 2016, the third-gen Mazda3 is an exceptional model in a market packed with compacts. It combines standout styling, the latest safety features, a well-appointed interior, excellent dynamics and, more importantly, an affordable sticker. It won't get better than this until the fourth-gen version arrives in a couple of years, but for the time being Mazda wants to bring more customers to its dealerships by offering more special editions->ke2041 of the compact. The latest in this line is the Sport Black edition.

Based on hatchback model, the Sport Black features sporty exterior enhancements and a generous list of standard features on the inside. The only downside is that this special edition is a U.K.-only vehicle and won't cross the pond to the U.S. Until Mazda launches a similar model here, let's have a look at the limited-edition hatch->ke304 the Brits will find in dealerships starting April 2016.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mazda3 Sport Black Special Edition.

What makes the Mazda3 Sport Black Edition special

The main feature that makes the Sport Black edition stand out in a pack of Mazda3s is the Sports Styling Kit with Brilliant Black elements. The bundle includes a front splitter, side skirts, rear bumper, roof spoiler, and door mirrors. Although this kit can be selected on any other hatchback, the color is unique to the Sport Black and is complemented by bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels finished in Dark Gunmetal -- a shiny dark gray that works well with the black accents. Despite its name, this limited-edition model can't be ordered in Mazda's optional Jet Black Mica color. The palette is restricted to only Soul Red Metallic and Snowflake White Pearlescent, two cost options on the regular Mazda3, most likely to highlight the black-painted body kit. It would have been nice for Mazda to offer a matching Brilliant Black paint for an all-black appearance though...

Inside, the hatchback gets a cool new half leather/half suede upholstery for the front seats. Both the leather-wrapped bolstering and the suede center sections feature red stitching. The same stitching can be seen on the steering wheel, center armrest, gear shifter, parking brake lever and door panels, adding a dash of color to the black background. Everything else is standard Mazda3 business, but it's the standard equipment list that makes the Sport Black special. On top of the usual features that come with the hatch, this limited-edition also gets bespoke floor mats, Smart keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, rear-vew camera, cruise control, and a Bose surround sound system. The MZD-Connect infotainment system also gets navigation as standard.

The drivetrain department remains unchanged and you can order this limited-edition trim with any of the available engines. Gasoline units include a 1.5-liter rated at 100 PS (99 horsepower) and 150 Nm (110 pound-feet) of torque, a 2.0-liter with 120 PS (118 horses) and 210 Nm (150 pound-feet), and the range-topping version with 165 PS (163 horsepower). On the diesel front you can pick between the 1.5-liter 105-PS (104-horsepower) and 2.2-liter 150-PS (148-horsepower) SkyACtiv-D oil burners.

Pricing for the Sport Black model starts from £20,995 (about $30,190), which accounts for a £3,900 (around $5,610) premium over the base Mazda3. It isn't that much given that the Sport Black will be built in only 800 units and includes all the extra features.

Mazda3

Unveiled in mid-2013 in Australia, the Mazda3 was developed on Mazda's then-new SkyActiv chassis and equipped with a new family of four-cylinder engines. Launched in both sedan and hatchback guises, the Mazda3 was the third vehicle to sport the Mazda's "KODO: Soul of Motion" design language, after the CX-5 and Mazda6. Conceived as a global model, the Mazda3 is also offered in the U.S., where it can be ordered with one of two gasoline engines. The base unit is a 2.0-liter with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet, while the more expensive models get the 2.5-liter with 184 horses and 185 pound-feet. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. For the 2016 model year, the U.S.-spec sedan retails from $17,845, while the hatchback starts from $18,545. Range-topping models such as the S Grand Touring, which we tested in 2014, cost more than $25,000 before options.

Read our full review on the Mazda3 here.