Reviews by Benjamin Yong
Volume 16 Issue 1 » 45
2019 Mazda3
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Mazda hit it out of the park with the Mazda3 when it was originally
launched a decade and a half ago, and the proof is in the pudding,
selling over six million units worldwide since then. With each
successive generation, the compact car has gotten better by leaps and
bounds, and the fourth just might be the best yet. Here’s why. Now utilizing a larger 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment monitor,
the corresponding commander control knob, along with the armrest
and shifter, has been moved forward for improved ergonomics. Not
often seen in the segment is an optional Active Driving Display
HUD as well.
There’s no denying how much of a head-turner the 2019 model is.
It embodies the evolved KODO “soul of motion” design language,
interpreted via slimmer standard LED headlamps that seamlessly
flow into the grille. At the rear, the taillights house four distinct
rings featuring 3-D gradient illumination. Occupants may notice less road noise, and that’s because there are
additional sound-deadening materials in the headliner and even the
floor mats. The ride might seem extra comfortable, too — by closely
studying human movement, engineers have redesigned the seats
to provide optimal support for the pelvis in order to maintain the
natural S-shape curve of the spine.
Although the exterior dimensions are not too different from the
outgoing version, the vehicle appears flatter and wider due to
aggressively shaped C pillars and smoother body panels. The roofline
on the hatchback also blends into the tailgate glass as though the
two were one element.
Recently, the Hiroshima-based manufacturer began to trend more
towards luxury and nowhere is this as evident as in the interior.
Spinning the wheels is either an ultra-efficient SKYACTIV-G
2.0-litre mill making 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque,
or alternatively a beefier 2.5-litre in the GT trim uprating the
output to 186 and 186, respectively. And for the first time, i-Activ
predictive all-wheel drive is available on the platform.