2019 Mazda 3 – All you need to know

The Mazda 3 surfaced for the very first time back in 2003, and it wasn’t too long before it became one of Mazda’s most popular models. The first and second generations of this C-segment family car were available in sedan and hatchback forms - something that continues to this day, and were built on Mazda’s widely used B platform architecture. It was only when the third-generation avatar was released in 2013 that the Mazda 3 finally received an all-new platform (shared with the CX-5), and the Japanese marque finally showcased its famous KODO design language on the 3 as well. Incredibly, the Mazda 3 family is the brand’s most successful model in the entire line-up -- with over six million cars sold all over the world till date.

The Mazda 3 has seen healthy sales in Malaysia as well, and now, after much wait, the all-new, fourth-generation 2019 Mazda 3 has been finally launched here, too. Priced at between RM 139,620 to RM 160,059, the 2019 Mazda 3 uses an entirely new platform and sports the brand’s latest version of design and technologies. Digging a little deeper, the 2019 Mazda 3 range starts with the entry-level 1.5 variant (sedan & hatchback) at RM 139,620. Then there’s the sedan-only 2.0 High variant which is priced at RM 150,059. And finally, there’s the range-topping 2.0 High Plus (sedan & hatchback) that starts at RM 160,059. Staying the same, are the Mazda 3’s competitors, which are the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Corolla Altis.

Exterior design

With the all-new 2019 Mazda 3, the company has entered a new era with its highly-acclaimed KODO design language. The new design that’s been used on the 2019 Mazda 3 not only looks really modern and attractive but almost makes this mass-market family car feel more premium and posh than what its price tag would suggest. While both the sedan and the hatchback share some common design similarities, they surely have their own distinct personalities. Viewed in profile, the 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback’s silhouette appears quite sporty and quirky with its long bonnet, sloped A-pillars, roofline and C-pillars, and relatively short front & rear overhangs.

The revamps front fascia gets a new honeycomb grille pattern, bumper lip extension, and slick LED headlamps. Meanwhile, the beefy yet sculpted rear of the 3 hatchback gets a large roof spoiler, ultra-sleek double-barrel LED tail lamps and a neat-looking bumper with static reflectors and chrome-tipped twin exhausts. As for the sedan avatar of the new Mazda 3, its svelte design looks more mature and less cheeky than its hatchback sibling, mostly because of the obligatory trunk. However, the Mazda 3 sedan manages to catch the attention by offering a dignified and elegant shape, while retaining an almost perfect sense of proportion. The front of the sedan version features a different bumper and grille design, the latter sporting an eye-catching chrome detailing, and a wider bumper lip extension.

Interior

The interior design and layout of the 2019 Mazda 3 siblings are identical, and there’s little to tell them apart. The sportier-feeling cockpit is now definitely more driver-focussed and boasts even better quality materials than before. The amalgamation of different textures, shapes and contours makes this a lively space, indeed. The seats are great and space is generally decent, except in the back of the 3 hatchback -- it’s genuinely dark and dingy when compared to the sedan. However, sound isolation in the cabin is good and appreciably better than some rivals.

Equipment and features

There’s plenty of equipment on offer on both models, such as adaptive LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, smart keyless entry with push-button start, radar-guided cruise control, auto engine stop/start system, full leather upholstery, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with memory, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, electronic parking brake, paddle shifters, heads-up display, drive mode selector, 8.8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment System with voice command, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, an 8-speaker sound system, and all-around parking sensors with rearview camera.

As for safety features, the 2019 Mazda 3 comes packed to the hilt with modern gizmos. For example, there’s Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus, 7 airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). There’s also High Beam Control (HBC), Smart Brake Support (SBS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keep Assist System (LAS), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Engine and performance

The base variant of the 2019 Mazda 3 siblings comes with a 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine that produces 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque and is mated to Mazda’s SKYACTIV DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission. With this motor under the hood, the Mazda 3 will pass 100 kmph in 12 seconds and go on to a top speed of 200 kmph. The mid-tier and top-spec variants of the all-new 3 come powered by a 2.0-litre four-popper that makes 162 hp and 210 Nm of torque. Just like the 1.5-lire mill, it drives the front wheels using the same 6-speed auto ‘box. Now, 0-100 kmph sprint is completed in around 9.5 seconds or so; top speed now climbs to approximately 210 kmph.