2019 Mazda 3 (Gen 4)

The Sedan looks better than the hatch, The hatch's C-pillar is humongous
I hope when they arrive in SA the lower models get a slight tyre size increase.

My thoughts exactly. That C-pillar on the hatch spoils the design completely.
 
New Mazda3 Revealed

The new Mazda3 hatchback has been revealed at the Los Angeles Motor Show, see details below.

A new Mazda3 hatchback and its sedan counterpart has been shown at the Los Angeles Motor Show and draws inspiration from the striking Kai Concept which can only be a good thing because the new Mazda3 looks impressively stylish. The Mazda3 is an important model for the brand and since its launch in 2003, over 6 million units have found homes around the world.

The new Mazda3 is built on Mazda's Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture and while the new Mazda3 is now longer than before and is said to offer an enhanced ride with less in-cabin noise. the big news is that it's powered by a new Skyactiv-X engine with a Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition, but Mazda has yet to reveal specific details for this engine. There will also be updated versions of the current 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5-litre engines (market dependent). The new engine is expected to be up to 20-30% more efficient and will offer more torque than Mazda's current petrol engine offering and the new Mazda3 will be the first model fitted with this new engine in 2019. A 1.8-litre diesel engine will also be offered in select markets along with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

As for the interior, Mazda has adopted a "less is more" approach to the design with a particular emphasis on simplicity and focus on the task of driving. A new, wider 8.8-inch infotainment system is fitted and is controlled using the commander control in the centre console. A quality sound system and a head-up display are also fitted.

New safety features include the latest Driver Monitoring system, Front Cross Traffic Alert and the Cruising & Traffic Support system which will help the driver in congested traffic situations by assisting with acceleration, braking and steering.

The new Mazda3 is expected to reach South Africa in the second half of 2019. We will keep you updated as soon and local specification and pricing become available.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-mazda3-revealed-wvideo/44058/
 
Striking new Mazda3 hatch and sedan unveiled

Mazda says that the all-new Mazda3, revealed ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday, embodies a "richer and more powerful" expression of its Kodo design language, but regardless of how one chooses to word it, the striking new design is almost certain to prove a hit.

The fourth-generation Mazda3 is, as before, available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatch formats and the latter remains surprisingly faithful to the Kai concept that was revealed just over a year ago.

Mazda aimed to give the hatch a more emotional design, while the sedan takes a more elegant direction.

Inside designers have taken a minimalist approach, with fewer buttons and knobs, while the central command system is a 22.3cm wide screen, operated as before through a console-mounted rotary dial.

Furthermore, Mazda is promising “dramatic improvements” in noise, vibration and harshness suppression and in the overall feeling of quality.

Revolutionary new engine

The big news on the technological front is that the new Mazda3 will offer Mazda’s innovative new Skyactiv-X petrol engine, which features diesel-like compression ignition, and it’s also mated to Mazda’s new M Hybrid system, but at this stage there are no further details on the new powertrain.

The Skyactiv-X will however be offered alongside carry-over Skyactiv-G normally aspirated petrol engines (in 1.5-, 2.0- and 2.5-litre guises) and the 1.8-litre Skyactiv-D turbodiesel. Select models will also offer a new all-wheel-drive system with four-wheel vertical load detection.

Driver assistance gizmos include Mazda’s ‘Driver Monitoring’ drowsiness detection system, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support and the Cruising & Traffic Support traffic jam assistance system.

The new Mazda3 is scheduled to reach South Africa during the second half of 2019, with the line-up and pricing to be confirmed nearer to launch.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/striking-new-mazda3-hatch-and-sedan-unveiled-18293056
 
I see they finally ditched the horrible looking Japanese switchgears.
 
The new (bigger) infotainment rotary dial looks noticeably smarter as well.

Additionally the MZD Connect (physical) screen has a Lexus-like look. Think new LS, ES & UX.
 
Looks good. Like the front. The arse of the hatch looks a bit off. And so do the small wheels. And giant c-pillar. A bit like the current cx-3 if its suspension suddenly collapsed.
 
The 2019 Mazda 3 Will Start at $21,000. What Do You Want To Know About It?

The first production models of the new 2019 Mazda 3 are already here, which I am about to drive later today. Before that, though, Mazda has announced pricing of its new compact, and it looks like you’re going to have to go with the hatchback if you want a manual.

Before we dive in, I just want to note that Mazda has kindly flown me to Los Angeles to get behind the wheel of the new Mazda 3 today. I will only be driving the front-wheel drive sedan with the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine (that’s not the new Skyactiv-X “Holy Grail” compression engine), and not the hatch either, but will try and get as much as I can out of the Mazda reps.

I’m only driving the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G because, well, that’s the only engine option in the car in the U.S., for now. Mazda didn’t have an update on the timeline for the new Skyactiv-X engine yet, but it apparently will make it into the new car eventually.

All 2019 Mazda 3 models, then, get 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The front-wheel drive sedan with an automatic will start at $21,000 in the U.S. The good news is the new car will hit dealer lots with the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, sedan or hatchback, with either an automatic or manual.

The only catch, according to the pricing release sent out by Mazda, is that the manual is only currently available on the premium trim of the front-drive hatchback. Could be worse.

Here’s the full pricing breakdown as sent over from Mazda:

We’ll have to wait a couple of months to see what the all-wheel drive Mazda 3 is like, and maybe even longer to get behind the wheel of a manual. My driving impressions of the front-wheel drive automatic sedan will be embargoed until early Sunday morning, so hold out for that.

I am at least allowed to say that the car does indeed look incredible in the flesh.

Our First Drive Review comes next week. In the meantime, what do you want to know about this thing?

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-mazda-3-will-start-at-21-000-what-do-you-wan-1831989113

Mazda 3 1.JPGMazda 3 2.JPGMazda 3 3.JPGMazda 3 4.JPGMazda 3 5.JPG
 
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