Mazda has displayed its all-new Mazda 3 in selected showrooms ahead of the car’s official launch on 17 July 2019. Pictured here is the range-topping Mazda 3 2.0 Hatchback High Plus variant destined for the Malaysian market.
The new Mazda 3 Hatchback was inspired from the jaw-dropping Mazda Kai Concept that was shown back in 2017. Mazda has retained much of the design elements from the concept car and for the first time, the Sedan and Hatchback models are styled independently. The two only shares certain interchangeable parts while major body panels are model specific.
Wearing the latest iteration of Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design language, the new Mazda 3 with its gaping front grille, slim headlamps and pronounced rear arches gives the car the impression of a predator ready to pounce on its prey.
The body lines were also carefully crafted to create even more reflections over the body, making the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paintwork pop even more. This display unit was parked next to a CX-5 with the same Soul Red Crystal finish and somehow the Mazda 3 comes off with more vibrancy to my eyes.
Specification wise, the range-topping 2.0 High Plus variant comes equipped with full LED headlamps with signature LED daytime running lights, signature LED taillamps, dark chrome grille finish (chrome finish on sedan), 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/45 profile rubbers, keyless entry and dual exhaust outlets.
Stepping inside, the cabin is leaps and bounds over the outgoing model in terms of perceived quality, build quality and material finish. On 2.0 High Plus variants you’ll find a new instrument cluster with a central 7.0-inch coloured TFT multi-info display, 8.8-inch Mazda MZD Connect infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto (no longer touchscreen unit), 8-speakers, coloured heads-up display, 10-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, leather seats and a sunroof.
Under the hood, the 2.0 variants are powered by the familiar 2.0-litre naturally aspired 4-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Output remains unchanged from before at 162 hp and 213 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels.
On the safety front, the Mazda 3 2.0 High Plus comes with 7 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Launch Assist. Other than that, it is also the only Japanese make in the segment to offer the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Mazda i-Activsense bundles Smart Brake Support (SBS), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Lane Keep Assist System (LAS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), High Beam Control (HBC) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).
Unfortunately, due to the global trend of price hike of the Mazda 3 and the unfavourable tax and duties structure for fully imported models (CBU Japan) in Malaysia, the new Mazda 3 2.0 High Plus is priced at RM160k (OTR without insurance), inclusive of a 5-Years Warranty and 5-Years Free Scheduled Service.
Not denying that is silly money for a C-segment hatchback/sedan considering you can have a brand new CX-5 2.5 2WD GLS for the same price. But as the saying goes, willing buyer, willing seller.
IMAGE GALLERY
All-new Mazda 3 in Soul Red Crystal Metallic
