2019 Mazda 3 sedan, hatch leaked ahead of LA debut

2019 Mazda 3 sedan, hatch leaked ahead of LA debut

Official photos of the all-new Mazda 3 have been leaked ahead of an official debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, featuring both the sedan and hatchback models. Unsurprisingly, the design of the new Mazda 3 is heavily derived from the Kai Concept, albeit with some tweaks.

At the front, a long, flowing bonnet leads into a more aggressively-shaped front grille, which comes with two different inlay designs. Said grille is flanked by a pair of slim headlamps, while further down, the subtle protrusions in the corners of the lower apron are similar to those on the Kai Concept. On the sedan seen here, that design cue integrates with the car’s fog lamps and the lower intake is cordoned off by a pseudo lip piece.

As was demonstrated with the Vision Coupe, Mazda is doing away with prominent character lines on its future models. On the Mazda 3, the Japanese carmaker shaped the body so linear transitions in light and shadow create a “vortex effect” that is seen between the front and rear wheel arches.

It is also from this angle where the shocking similarity between the concept and hatchback becomes apparent, most noticeably by the rather large C-pillars, which aren’t present on the sedan due to its larger boot section.

Moving to the rear, 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. We see dual exhausts on the hatchback, while it looks like the sedan only gets the one.

Focusing on the interior, you’ll find the new Mazda 3’s dashboard is divided into two parts, with an infotainment screen being placed in a small cubby up top. This 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 infotainment system, gear lever and a rather flat armrest. Meanwhile, the driver gets his/her own set of vents that are placed on either sides of the instrument binnacle, which could feature a digital display within.

Aside from the revamped design, the Mazda 3 is said to adopt the company’s next-generation SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture, SkyActiv engines, including its SkyActiv-X compression ignition powerplant, and latest Mazda Connect system. More details will be available when the new Mazda 3 is revealed in full. Like what you see so far?

GALLERY: 2019 Mazda 3 spyshots

GALLERY: Mazda Kai Concept

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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

  • Semi-Value (Member) on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:11 am

    the sedan is alright but its matured. however the hatchback is just sexy. and that interior puts most european carmakers to shame

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 0
  • John Minum Teh 8X on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:16 am

    This is a super cheap car in US and Australia. But come to Malaysia it is priced at RM130k.

    Malaysia stil has the most expensive car prices in the world.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 20
    • English Teacher on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:39 am

      Stop complaining and work harder. Don’t be lazy and sleep all the time in my class.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 1
      • Pleiades on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:45 am

        Still that stupid BS about “Working Harder”!? What a joke… just trying to excuse a rotten Govt policy. Hope you’re not a real teacher ffs…

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 15
        • Lembujini on Nov 28, 2018 at 11:43 am

          Work smart, earn fast is the ethos now days. Esp for privileged group here.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
        • English Teacher on Nov 28, 2018 at 11:45 am

          The only time poor and lazy students such as Johnwhatever above me, ever use brains is to give me stupid and poorly thought out excuses & reasoning. Such imbecility is unacceptable in my class.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
          • Graduan Bijak on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:57 pm

            They help to bring down Exam passing grade from 60% to 25%. So no complains lolz

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
          • Orz! Basher got sounded by his teacher! OMG OMG OMG OMG!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • RIP The Tea Drinker on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      Drink too much tea until your brain is broken and couldn’t afford a car. Habisla John Minum Teh 80000X

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • alldisc on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:21 am

    Italian flair, Japan engineering..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
  • Sohai (not ori) on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:26 am

    Looks the same and the hatchback super uglybutt

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 14
  • What a beauty. Interior is even better than some European models. Mazda is really moving into premium. Well done.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • applegreen on Nov 28, 2018 at 10:53 am

    actually the armrest isnt low, you can see the panel is about 3 inches higher than seat level

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kai concept on Nov 28, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Totally nice for the interior…looks like a luxury car…good job mazda…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • azhar on Nov 28, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Sell your kidneys to buy this in Bolehland as the price will be exhorbitant….so much for Malaysia Baru!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Oh myy. Why the butt is like that for the hatchback. Soo ugly mehhh. Doesnt look sleek at all. They are overthinking it this time.

    The sedan’s butt somehow similar as the new 508 Peugeot

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • rear end kinda have that rx8 feel

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • benzs on Nov 28, 2018 at 11:56 am

    One Word. Clean. Very simple and attractive design. Not too much of fancy looking with chrome. Beside window trim, logo and exhaust pipe. Mazda evolution brings people to stay humble and last long looking. Bravo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Beautiful, hope the interior is more spacious then current model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Nov 28, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    If it comes turbo charged then I don’t see why I should be getting a German premium vehicle anymore.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • The hatchback looks very ugly at certain angles. Hope it won’t be voted the ugliest car in the world….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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