The all-new fourth-generation Mazda 3 has been officially launched in Malaysia. Available in both sedan and hatchback styles, there are a total of three variants to choose from – 1.5-litre Sedan and Hatchback, 2.0-litre High Sedan and 2.0-litre High Plus Sedan and Hatchback. Here is everything you need to know about Mazda’s most anticipated model of the year.
Powertrain
There are two engine options available, a 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Skyactiv-G engines. Output for the former is 118 hp and 153 Nm of torque from 4,000 rpm while the larger one has 162 hp and 213 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Both are mated to a Six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic with Manual shift mode. Mazda’s i-Stop idling technology is also included together with both engines. Fuel efficiency is rated at 5.8-litres per 100 km for the 1.5 and 6.2-litres per 100 km for the 2.0 engines. Fuel tank capacity is 51 litres.
Exterior
The design of the new Mazda 3 is a further evolution of the signature Kodo style which has been done to express a new form of elegance. Here the development team took to designing both the sedan and hatchback with its own appeal, resulting in quite distinctly separate looks. Head and taillights on all variants are LED units, but the ones on the High Plus models are Adaptive units with the Front Signature Illumination. Also standard across the board is Rear fog lights, Auto-folding side mirrors, and four Rear parking sensors. As for rim sizes, all variants come in 16-inch wheels except for the High Plus at 18-inches.
Interior Improvements
A sit inside the cabin is where the differences are stark. Mazda has gone through lengths to improve not only the quality of the materials but also the seating position, insulation, displays and audio. Starting with the cockpit, the design now is laid out in perfect horizontal symmetry with the driver in the centre. The goal in the human-centric design has also improved the driving position – moving the gear shift lever forward and positioned higher, as with the position of the cupholders now at the front of the gear shift and the centre armrest lengthened.
The A-pillar design and shape was also optimised to minimise obstruction angle and blind spots. As for the sound insulation, the new Mazda 3 is the first to apply a “two-wall” structure with space in between the body and carpeting of the floor. Sound absorbing functionality was also added to the headliner and floor mats to suppress high-frequency noise. When it comes to the Active Driving Display, the meters and centre unit now present information simpler with unified fonts to create a consistent look. The placement of the speakers within the interior was also a priority during the early stages. The speakers have been positioned to prevent reflected sounds that interfere with the tonal quality.
Cabin Kit
Standard equipment here is quite good too. The Active Driving Display (Heads-up display) is on all models as is the Sport Mode Drive selection switch. Infotainment is also an all-rounder with the Mazda Connect with Voice Command, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, Reverse Camera with Guidelines and the 8-speaker system.
What the High and High Plus variants get are the Paddle Shifters on the steering wheel, Keyless entry, Dual-zone auto climate control, Rear air-conditioning vents, 2-position seat memory, 10-way power seat adjustment, and leather seats.
For The Driver
G-Vectoring Control (GVC) Plus is standard across the line-up. While the original GVC vary engine torque in response to steering inputs, the Plus uses the brakes to add direct yaw moment control for further enhanced handling stability. In practice, the light braking is done to the outer wheels when the driver accelerates out of a corner.
Safety
It is good that Safety isn’t skimped. Across all variants are 7-SRS Airbags, ABS, DSC, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Auto Hold and Isofix. Reserved for the High Plus variants, the i-Activsense Advanced Safety includes High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Smart Brake Support, and the Radar Cruise Control.
Price and ownership
The 1.5-litre Sedan and Hatchback is priced at RM 139,620, the 2.0-litre High at RM 150,059 while the 2.0-litre High Plus Sedan and Hatchback at RM 160,059. There are seven exterior colours of Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Jet Black and Polymetal Grey, the latter most available exclusively for the Hatchback. Warranty is a 5-year or 100,000 km with a 5-year or 100,000 km free scheduled maintenance whichever comes first.
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