After months of teasing, Mazda has finally revealed the 2019 Mazda 3. It comes loaded with new features and is packed so nicely with the much-anticipated Skyactiv-X engine with Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition. And, to make the purists happy, the compact car comes with a manual transmission as well! Yes, it gets brownie points for that.
Is This the Mazda 3 or Kai Concept?
The automaker claims that this platform will make the car “feel as natural and stress-free as walking on your own two feet.” Well, pish-posh to that till we get to drive it! The new Mazda 3 bears a lot of resemblance to the Kai Concept that was showcased last year. It will be available in sedan and hatchback body styles. Both have that long nose and a broad grille. The slim headlights and the sloping roofline with a curvature at the rear give the hatchback a very futuristic look. The sedan comes with sharper crease lines at the rear.
What Is This Hulahoop About The Skyactiv-X?
It is the first mass-produced car to feature this engine. It has been explained by David Tracy from Jalopnik quite well. “The Skyactiv-X engine works by using a process that Mazda calls Spark Controlled Compression Ignition—essentially a spark plug lighting off a localized rich mixture of fuel and air to create a fireball that compresses the lean mixture throughout the rest of the cylinder, yielding spontaneous ignition. It’s a fascinating concept that promises the efficiency of a diesel engine.”
Under The Hood
Mazda has not given any official specs for the engine yet, but the Mazda 3 will be available with 1.5-liter, 2.0-liter, and the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G mills. The Mazda 3 will also come with a diesel 1.8-liter, Skyactiv-D diesel engine with revised fuel injection that boosts efficiency. An all-wheel-drive could be provided, although Mazda has not thrown any light on it. As for the transmission system, a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual gearbox will be offered. Mazda says that the shifter on manual models has been moved closer to the steering wheels, making it less of a stretch to operate it.
On The Inside
The interior, from the photos, looks simple and classy; unlike the cluttered setup that is offered these days. The material quality will be known once we get our hands on it. Another thing we noticed is how the seats have extended bolsters. From an enthusiast’s point-of-view, we see this as a way to keep the occupants in place when the car is cornered hard. The driving position looks comfortable, and the view up front and sideward seems to be ample, this comes thanks to the slim A-pillar that helps to minimize blind spots.
Our Take
Mazda has not yet revealed the pricing of the 3, but we speculate it to start around $24,000. In fact, a lot of details are to be revealed and we are hoping for that to happen soon. The initial impressions clearly suggest that the Mazda 3 is going to be a driver-oriented car. But the same will be confirmed once we test the car. What are your thoughts on the Mazda 3? Share them with us in the comments section below.
Further Reading
Read our speculative review on the 2019 Mazda3.
Read our full review on the 2018 Mazda3.
Read our full review on the 2017 Mazda Kai concept.
