A Closer Look at the 2019 Mazda 3
It really looks like Mazda has pulled out all of the stops with its 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan. It’ll be riding on a totally new platform, sporting new attractive interior and exterior designs, and the availability of all-wheel drive. In addition, Mazda is introducing a new Mazda font. They’re also introducing a brand new “Sg” badge to the lineup. It will be used on Signature trim levels and on models that haven’t yet made the switch to the new font, which they’re calling Mazda Type. It’ll be a vertical font much more so than the old one that’s called Mazda Font and is a lot more italicized. The new font can be seen on the new 2019 Mazda 3’s trunk-lid badge as well some interior items like floor mats. Displays and controls will have a somewhat different font since they have to follow certain regulations. All of these changes are an attempt by Mazda to start becoming more upscale and portraying its new models as premium. Going forward, Mazda Type will actually be representing the entire brand. Here’s a closer look into what it will be offering:
Interior
The 2019 Mazda 3 offers interior materials that are significantly upgraded, including:
- A stitched dash pad,
- Metal trim on all climate-control knobs
- Metal trim on the central infotainment controller,
- A new steering-wheel design,
- An 8.8-inch display screen.
In addition, a deep red colored leather upholstery will be available on the hatchback. Other interior options are available, including a heads-up display, a Bose audio system, and a number of active-safety features.
Exterior
The 2019 Mazda 3 offers a singular exterior design seeking to give it a more premium character that is decidedly upscale. The hatchback’s lines a front end that is sharply creased and has slimmer headlights, a prominent front grille, chunky C-pillar taillights that are both futuristic-looking and have circular cutouts. The sedan has a decidedly distinct legant profile with a beautifully-sculpted trunk-lid.
Under the Hood
Both the hatchback and the sedan will offer a 2.5-liter four-cylinder until the advanced Skyactiv-X engine arrives later this year. The U.S. launch will include the Skyactiv 2.5-liter inline-four and either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. At this point, no power figures are available but it expected to have a power output similar to the current 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque of the 2.5-liter engine. Later on, the brand new Skyactiv-X inline-four will be joining the Mazda lineup and promises fuel economy that will be significantly improved and will also be available with all-wheel drive.
Specs
The new 2019 Mazda 3 will be a little bit longer and lower than previous models with a wheelbase that has been stretched one inch. Previous multilink-independent-rear-suspension has been traded for a less expensive more compact torsion-beam-setup. According to Mazda, the new suspension, which will be combined with a material that is more sound-deadening material, will improve the quietness of the vehicle, but hopefully that switch won’t come at the expense of the car’s usual responsive handling. This is expected to be avoided via the G-Vectoring Control Plus system. It is the very latest version of this system and it is expected to slightly reduce engine torque, sharpening the steering feel during turning.
Safety Features
The new 2019 Mazda 3 has been scoring very nicely with safety agencies. This is even in spite of its modest convenience and driver-assistance features. Both the hatchback and the sedan were recipients of highest Top Safety Pick+ honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In addition, standard features include automated emergency braking for Mazda’s entire lineup. However, the available i-Activsense suite includes some advanced features only available with the Grand Touring models Premium Equipment package, including:
- Lane-keeping assist,
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
Warranty
The 2019 Mazda 3 may not be as great as Chevy or hyundai but it does carry a three-year/36,000 mile limited warranty. Its powertrain warranty covers five years/60,000 miles
Release Date
The 2019 Mazda 3 will be going on sale in March.
Pricing
The 2019 Mazda 3 will wear a base price that is $2905 higher than its predecessor and the sedan will start at $21,895 with a six-speed auto transmission. If you choose an AW drive hatchback, it will run slightly over $30,000.
All-in-all, the new 2019 Mazda 3, (both the sedan and the hatchback), will be widely anticipated by Mazda fans everywhere. With as many changes as Mazda has implemented, it’s sure to be a hit even at its slightly higher price point.
