All-new Mazda3 to arrive this month, CBU expected but how much?



July is shaping up to be quite an exciting month with key model launches, and one of them is expected to be the new generation Mazda3. We’ve covered this model extensively, but its final specification and price elude us.

Arriving soon, just two months after its Japan debut.

The grapevine is indicating that unlike previously, the fourth-generation model will be fully imported from Japan, so expect the inevitable price hike. Globally, the Mazda3 is available in two body-styles (sedan and hatch or fastback) and chances are high that there would be at least two different variants given that it was previously offered as such in CKD form.

Sedan or fastback: which body-style do you prefer?

But don’t expect the much-touted lean-burn, spark compression SkyActiv-X engine to be available just yet as Mazda is only introducing this costly new powerplant in its home market in October 2019, so we will likely see the 155 hp and 199 Nm SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder with six-speed auto, and possibly even a 115 hp and 150 Nm 1.5-litre option for price competitiveness.

Expect lots of premium touches as Mazda aims to move upmarket.

Considering that the Mazda3 will be CBU, how much of a price hike is acceptable to you? In the meantime, set a reminder for 17th July 2019.