2019 Mazda 3 officially revealed – sedan, hatchback; SkyActiv-X hybrid; GVC Plus, improved i-Activsense

2019 Mazda 3 officially revealed – sedan, hatchback; SkyActiv-X hybrid; GVC Plus, improved i-Activsense

Mazda has officially unveiled the all-new Mazda 3, which will go on display at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. A core model in the Japanese carmaker’s line-up, the fully redesigned, fourth-generation C-segment model is a showcase of the brand’s latest technologies and second-generation Kodo design philosophy.

Starting with the latter, the new Mazda 3 draws heavily from the Kai Concept that was revealed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. It isn’t an exact carbon copy, but the finished product is nearly identical, particularly when you look at the hatchback.

Up front, the hatchback shares a similar face with its sedan sibling, with a long bonnet that flows into a more aggressively-shaped front grille, which appear to have differing mesh inlays depending on the body style.

A pair of slim headlamps flank said grille, and they are linked by the familiar “wing” trim piece that is finished in either chrome or matte black. Much like what we saw with the Kai, there are subtle protrusions on the corners of the lower apron, with a narrow air inlet, pseudo lip and front fog lamp enclosures positioned nearby.

In profile, the divide between the sedan and hatchback is made even more clear, starting with the large C-pillars on the hatch that are severely toned down on the sedan as a result of the increased boot section. Wheel sizes listed are 16- and 18-inch sets.

As demonstrated with the Vision Coupe, Mazda is distancing itself from discernible character lines, so on the Mazda 3, the Japanese carmaker shaped the sides so linear transitions in light and shadow create a “vortex effect” that you see between the front and rear wheel arches.

Finer details include the presence of a roof-mounted spoiler on the hatchback, and if you notice closely, you’ll see the chrome window trim on the sedan is flipped for the hatchback. The paintwork on the hatchback is also unique to the body style, and Mazda calls it Polymetal Grey.

At the back, both models sport taillights with circular elements within them that are not unlike those on the Kai, and significantly different from the third-generation car. The lower section is mirrored on both cars, with slightly protruded sides framing the area that accommodates the number plate holder and reflector/fog lamps. Dual exhausts are present on both models, although there is additional black trim for the hatchback.

As this is the first time we’re seeing the sedan, the boot section is distinctively different from its predecessor. Less curvy than before, the boot now sports a small lip spoiler of sorts, while the repositioning of the number plate holder further results in a rather featureless main area.

For the interior, Mazda claims to incorporate the “less is more” ideal as part of its second-stage Kodo strategy. The dashboard is divided into two parts, with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen being placed in a small cubby up top. The screen is isolated from the climate control switchgear, which is placed in line with the centre and passenger-side air vents. Further down, the centre console plays host to both the controls for the revamped MZD Connect infotainment system (with eight speakers), gear lever and a flat armrest.

Meanwhile, Mazda’s driver-centric approach means the driver gets his/her own set of vents that are placed on either sides of the instrument binnacle, plus a completely new steering wheel design with a prominent (and protruding) boss. The instrument panel itself is also new, with three circular elements within them – the one in the middle is a LCD display.

Stylish as it may be, Mazda says the Mazda 3’s new cabin has improved NVH than its predecessor by adopting a “two-wall” structure that leaves space between the body and carpeting on the floor. Additional sound proofing materials have also been introduced, while tyres optimised vertical spring action and increased rigidity help prevent unwanted vibrations from being transmitted into the cabin.

2019 Mazda 3 officially revealed – sedan, hatchback; SkyActiv-X hybrid; GVC Plus, improved i-Activsense

In terms of powertrains, Mazda’s new SkyActiv-X compression ignition engine will be offered, and it will be supported by the brand’s M Hybrid system. Exact details have yet to be revealed but we will update this space as more information trickles in.

Conventional internal combustion engines from the SkyActiv-G petrol and SkyActiv-D diesel range will also be available, with the former including 1.5-, 2.0- and 2.5-litre units, while the oil burner is a 1.8 litre powerplant. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, with Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system being present, which works with the G-Vectoring Control Plus system already found on the latest CX-5.

The new Mazda 3 is built on the company’s SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture with increased rigidity thanks to new front-to-back connections that complement existing vertical and lateral connections of the previous body to form multi-directional ring structures. MacPherson struts are used at the front, while a newly developed torsion beam is used in the rear, replacing the multi-link setup used for the third-gen model.

There are dimension revisions as a result of the new skeleton, with the hatchback measuring 4,459 mm long (-1 mm compared to its predecessor), 1,797 mm wide (+2 mm) and 1,440 mm tall (-10 mm). The sedan on the other hand, is 4,662 mm long (+82 mm), 1,797 mm wide (+2 mm) and 1,445 mm tall (+5 mm). Both also have a longer wheelbase at 2,725 mm (+25 mm).

2019 Mazda 3 officially revealed – sedan, hatchback; SkyActiv-X hybrid; GVC Plus, improved i-Activsense

Mazda says the new structure has a higher ratio of ultra-high-tensile steel at 30% compared to the previous model’s 3%. This helps to create a more solid body to beef up passive safety, while a new standard driver’s knee airbag and energy-absorbing inner structure for the bonnet further help this cause.

The i-Activsense suite of active safety and driver assist systems has also been given a boost, with a new Driver Monitoring system that utilises an infrared camera and LED to observe the driver’s condition. Other additions include Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), a form of low-speed adaptive cruise control.

“The all-new Mazda3 we unveil today begins a new era for Mazda. The next generation of Mazda cars will enhance the value of the car-ownership experience. Though these products, we will further raise Mazda’s brand value and work towards our goal of building strong bonds with customers all over the world,” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda’s representative director, president and CEO. The new Mazda 3 will rolled out to global markets starting from North America in early 2019.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • seancorr (Member) on Nov 28, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    Turbo version for us pls. Hope they improved the NVH too since it looks so good it has to feel good too. Would be a shame to have stuff rattling while ur driving.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 1
    • Norman on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:29 pm

      (Like) 2019 Mazda 3.
      (Dislike) Honda Civic FL

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 131 Thumb down 25
      • John Minum Teh 8X on Nov 28, 2018 at 3:02 pm

        Mazda was dead 10 years ago in Malaysia. Then Mazda Japan decided to work hard and not be lazy. They slogged to create the SkyActive engine.

        Today, Mazda CX5 and Mazda 3 is a big seller in Malaysia. Mazda in Malaysia is no more dead.

        This is a good example to car companies who have very bad sales and in bankruptcy and always asking bantuan from kerajaan to keep it afloat…..time to work hard like Mazda Japan and create a product the rakyat wants.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 43
        • Slog to cheat on emissions testing. Kudos.
          https://paultan.org/2018/08/10/mazda-suzuki-and-yamaha-found-to-have-conducted-improper-emissions-testing-in-japan-report/

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 31 Thumb down 48
          • Khairul Izham on Nov 28, 2018 at 5:39 pm

            new Proton C-segment sedan from Geely Binrui will wipeout mazda3 ..

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 25
        • John Minum Teh 8X Fake News on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:08 pm

          Hyundai Fanboi, Toyota Fanboi and P2 Fanboi detected. As John Minum Teh 8X Always protecting his carmaker while John Minum Teh 8X doesn’t even care about other carmakers

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 3
          • Kunta Kinte on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:53 pm

            Let’s Focus On Things That Unite Us, Not Divide Us.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 34
          • Correct. We all abhor bored Toyota salesman who come here talk bollocks everyday in every article.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 4
          • untuk agama, bangsa dan negara.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
          • John Minum Teh 8X Fake News on Nov 28, 2018 at 6:07 pm

            True Kunta Kinte. John Minum Teh 8X should stop talking rubbish about other carmakers. Everyone felt very stressful because of John Minum Teh 8X. Moreover, John Minum Teh 8X is actually from Toyota Salesmen, Perodua Salesman and Hyundai Salesman

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 13
          • John Minum Teh 8X Fake News on Nov 28, 2018 at 6:35 pm

            I appreciate john and thanks to you john.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
          • John Minum Teh 8X Fake News on Nov 28, 2018 at 8:29 pm

            Actually John Minum Teh 8X is also using another username known as “Kunta Kinte” as a fake name. Pls beware and Take note that John Minum Teh 8X is always using another fake name. As already proven that, Kunta Kinte is known as John Minum Teh 8X (Kunta Kinte aka John Minum Teh 8X). As mentioned again, Kunta Kinte aka John Minum Teh 8X is coming from Toyota Salesman, Perodua Salesman and Hyundai Salesman while Kunta Kinte aka John Minum Teh 8X doesn’t even care about other carmakers

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 12
          • mazdakailan on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:57 pm

            Please buy the skyactive engine cars, the battery cost is very cheap to replace, only close to MYR600

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
          • Pls stop Personal Insults on Nov 29, 2018 at 9:45 am

            This is a car blog. Pls keep your attacks private. We want to read on car news here. We have no time for personal attacks

            Take your attacks away from this blog

            john minum teh 8x fake news, pls take your issues elsewhere

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
          • Yazid on Nov 29, 2018 at 9:48 am

            dah bosan dengan john ini dan pelbagai dupes dia. Bro….kami bosan sangat lah

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
          • Hussein on Nov 29, 2018 at 9:54 am

            Hello mr John Fake news, stop repeating and spamming this forum

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
          • Kantoi Kantoi Kantoi on Nov 29, 2018 at 9:56 am

            So dumb…one cannot be a toyota, Perodua and Hyundai salesman at the same time. Our car brands SOP in sales dont allow it

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • Jaguh Kampung Sudah Mental on Nov 29, 2018 at 10:05 am

            Talk about cars here. I don’t want to know about your problems john

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
          • Question to Ponder? on Nov 29, 2018 at 10:09 am

            I cannot understand your logic….how does someone be a salesman for 3 car showrooms?

            Hyundai in Glenmarie, Toyota in Section 13 PJ and Perodua in PJ

            How does one salesman be hired by 3 different car companies?

            How to run from one showroom to another?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • Chandra on Nov 29, 2018 at 1:10 pm

            usahlah tuding jari, bersama fokus kepada misi bangunkan negara kita…

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
        • I agree with John Minum Teh 8X, please learn from Mazda as nowadays they can create a perfect driving experience not just incredible design only, other car maker just like to show off space, feature and power, they could’t know how the driving dynamic can let the driver with more confidence when driving.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 18
          • True that!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 13
          • Azman Hashim on Nov 29, 2018 at 9:58 am

            I sapot. He speaks the truth!!!! No more dedak has made many people gone amok…..john oh john

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
          • Jaguh Kampung Sudah Mental on Nov 29, 2018 at 10:07 am

            Local Proton must learn to work hard like Japanese car companies.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
          • nosushi on Nov 30, 2018 at 10:31 am

            You mean like this?
            https://paultan.org/2018/09/20/replace-takata-airbag-or-risk-being-blacklisted-loke/

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • The Mazda 3 hatch is ugly but the sedan version looks really good and is a proper challenger to the Honda Civic.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 14
        • civic turbo on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:28 pm

          Front collide may cost thousands to replace whole grill and bumper

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
      • All car sales men here tokok on Nov 29, 2018 at 10:15 am

        Mazda design getting better and better. For wise consumer, just dont listen to a few sales men here with many many identities talk bad basically on all cars that they are not working with.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Toyota and Hyundai got no RV on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    If this launches here and including new Kia Cerato, new Honda Civic and Proton Bin Rui, habislah Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Altis. Hyundai Elantra have terrible resale value and Elantra is actually outdated design and looks ugly. People will surely buy Kia Cerato and Proton Geely Bin Rui, Honda Civic, Mazda 3 than Hyundai Elantra because they have better resale value, design looks more spacious, more inspiring and better looking than Hyundai Elantra. So as overall, everyone surely will not going to buy Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Altis as everyone will buy Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Proton Geely Bin Rui

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 44 Thumb down 3
    • Preve and Perjohna got no RV on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      If this launches here and including new Kia Cerato, new Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Altis habislah Proton Preve and Proton Persona. Proton Preve have terrible resale value and Preve is actually outdated design and looks ugly. People will surely buy Kia Cerato and Toyota Altis, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra than Proton Preve because they have better resale value, design looks more spacious, more inspiring and better looking than Proton Preve. So as overall, everyone surely will not going to buy Proton Preve and Proton Persona as everyone will buy Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Altis

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 44
  • Nice Boom! Well done Mazda (Y)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
    • EdwanR on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:43 pm

      Bermaz hvin hard time sell current stok \O/

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
      • sry bro, you are wrong.. that 1 happen with BL model.. nowdays BM model is having high demand and they production less than before it because they dun wan to keep push sales like Honda. They learn from Merz.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • Pakulupapito on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    The sedan rear looks classic….in a good way.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • Goin to KLIMS?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Kodomo Lion on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    I’m in love

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • totokreturn on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    look hudoh ya amat

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 40
  • RIP Mazda ruines by john on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    Awful and disgusting Puih! Who ever designed this must be an amateur like Proton designer

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 79
  • Haikal on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    Hah the Sedan looks better here. Something about the side profile of the hatchback looks off.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • Diss-illusions on Nov 28, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      Yea.. too much metal after the rear part of the side window – Suprima-ish. If I’m not wrong, it’s being extended to suit the sedan length unlike the current gen where the lengths of both models are different. Looks like accountants have a say in the design unfortunately.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Haidi on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    Wow! Cool! Loving it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    finally, the sedan shows off the twin tailpipes….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • lilytan on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    If only mazda cld increase its packaging to make it more spacious and practical it wld be a sure winner. Comparing mazda 3 and honda civic for example is like comparing a C with a D segment. Its really obvious.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
    • Yippi33 on Nov 30, 2018 at 10:07 am

      Yup.They are aware of this but they still stick to their jinba itai philosophy which is more driver centric. Its like ‘you want space, get an mpv’ kind of approach.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • I mean it looks nice.Only concern is the hatchback. I dont know about you guys the back of the car looks somewhat off to me :/

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    this car needs MPS version

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • tricycle on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    Interior is beautiful.

    Exterior is not ugly but it is a very boring design.

    Still no turbo 1.5 or 2.0 petrol? Its 2018 already.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 11
    • NA better than puny turbo on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      Skyactiv engine is way better than the small turbo….something other japanese carmaker cannot even achieve so they jump to turbo. Even toyota take some tech from mazda to make their new engine.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
      • Toyota USA tagline “if u wanna gud Toyota, go get a Mazda”.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Beautiful, best looking c segment so far. Bermaz, please start CKD process asap.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Beautifully made inside and out
    the new king of c segments….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • old horse on Nov 28, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    the asean is using city, vios to under cut the previously best selling corolla and civic range,.this mazda 3 can bring back the glorious mazda 3

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • ah pak on Nov 28, 2018 at 3:40 pm

    oil burner…? 1.5/2.0/2.5 don’t burn oil?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Bob_B78 on Nov 28, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    Why torsion beam? Cheap suspension setup used in b segment cars

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
    • Wondering is this torsion beam really be better than the current multi link? I doubt so. If better then should also change the next Mazda 6, CX5, CX9 to torsion beam…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • bentley on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      Because mazda is cheap brand

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 10
    • plz read this before posting.
      https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2019-mazda-3-to-adopt-torsion-beam-rear-suspension-for-refinement-58696

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
      • Bob_B78 on Nov 28, 2018 at 7:13 pm

        If I want refinement, I would go Altis. Mazda 3 is meant to be sporty.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • DonkeyKong on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    Good improvements all round, good size increase also for the sedan.

    But, still no rear aircond vents, and it’s going to be 2019 already. Come on, Mazda!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • how do you know no rear aircond vents?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • DonkeyKong on Nov 29, 2018 at 5:35 pm

        Look closely at the pictures or go and look for other spyshots. Even the current Mazda 3 doesn’t have rear vents.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • FATTY LOW on Nov 28, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    Damn, the hatch looks weird.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Hope that Mazda improve internal cabin space. Mazda make beautiful cars with good skyactive engine and transmission. But the internal cabin space is among the worst of all cars of the same segment. Even the CX5 looks huge from outside, but the back seat leg room is so so

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • take my money…. my next car after ditching my VW

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • applegreen on Nov 28, 2018 at 6:54 pm

    Im quite confident cx5 FL 3 years from now will get skyactive X engine too

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • transformer on Nov 28, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    For so many years, Mazda 3 Hatch looks so so sexy but not this 2019 gen. WHY??? Finally, this gen Sedan looks much much handsome than its Hatch….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
  • Aeroheads on Nov 28, 2018 at 9:49 pm

    Getting more like Alfa Romeo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • zztop on Nov 29, 2018 at 4:13 am

    The hatchback kinda remind me of 1970 Honda 600 coupe. Hmm weird

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The hatchback looks like a toad

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • the red hatchback looks like Ferrari FF!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Mazda Owner on Nov 29, 2018 at 10:10 am

    Drive it and you know why Mazda customer will go back to Mazda if they do not compare the size of the car. Just by comparing the driving pressure, for this segment..i still choose mazda

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • 2D photo doesn’t do justice to the Mazda 3 hatchback model. The hatchback looks so much better on stage (under stage lighting) during the unveiling presentation.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Mason on Nov 29, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Hello mazda3 2019, bye bye 2019 toyota corolla/altis.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • axela on Nov 29, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    Kai concept looks much better because of the proportion, bigger wheels and lower to the ground. The side profiles look very different between the hatch and sedan. There are no character lines at all on the hatch. The thick C pillar is a bit like the Alfa Brera and VW SP2. The Hofmeister Kink on the sedan look too BMW, I prefer the current gen which has more character especially the pre facelift version. Headlights remind me of the old Eunos 500 and 323 Astina.
    I think both hatch and sedan will look better in real life.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Mazda knows how to put on a show. Showstopping designs these. Would turn heads of even the BMW and Merc crowds.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • mazdakailan on Nov 30, 2018 at 10:33 am

      After buy so regret because the start stop battery is expensive

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Mason on Nov 30, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Just hope that bermaz can launch this in malaysia on 1H of 2019. Count me 1!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • the hatch rear proportion just looks too heavy, especially at 3-quarter view.

    hope they tweak the design more in final production model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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