Car Review: New 2019 Mazda 3

If you’re in search of a good compact car to buy this year, then you’re in luck because five new 2019 cars have arrived in Australia, each one offering new features and upgraded specifications to win you over.

One of these cars is the fourth-generation Mazda 3 and it’s ready to overtake the competition in the small car segment.

To help you decide if this compact car is your next ride, here is our review of the new Mazda 3 (2019).

Models and Prices

The new Mazda 3 hatchback is the first to arrive in Australia and by mid-2019, the Mazda 3 sedan model will follow.

Both models have five grades that consumers can choose from that includes:

• Pure
• GT
• Evolve
• Touring
• Astina.

All of them are available in a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

There are also two engine choices for both the hatchback and sedan: the basic G20 engine or the higher-rated G25. Although, not all grades are available in both engines.

Here is a chart of all 2019 Mazda 3 grade with the available engine and their respective prices:

Comparing these prices to the Mazda 3’s close competitors; the new Kia Cerato and Toyota Corolla cars are relatively cheaper, while Hyundai i30 models are more expensive. The 2019 Mazda 3 and Ford Focus are around the same prices.

Features and Design

Knowing these prices doesn’t matter much if don’t know what you’re getting with them. For the standard features, all 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan have:

• an 8.8-inch touchscreen with infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®
• reversing camera
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• digital radio
• digital head-up display

All models also have steering wheel-mounted controls, LED headlights, and LED tail-lights.

Every 2019 Mazda 3 model has power adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, and leather seat trims. All except for G20 Pure and G20 Evolve, which only have cloth seat covers and the usual car key ignition. The three G25 models (Evolve, GT, and Astina) have paddle shifters and dual-zone climate control, while the G20 variants have a single-zone AC system.

The new 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan are also equipped with an eight-speaker sound system. If you want the best sound experience, then you should go for G25 GT and G25 Astina. Both grades have a 12-speaker Bose Stereo system. The G25 Astina is the only one that comes with a standard sunroof.

In terms of design, both the sedan and hatchback have a similar new face. There’s now a broad and black mesh grill, plus the sleekest headlights there may be in the small car segment. Both hatch and sedan also have smoother side panels compared to their predecessors.

The new Mazda 3s also have 18-inch alloy wheels, except the G20 Pure, which has 16-inch wheels. All in all, the two Mazda 3s have a fresh and handsome profile that we definitely find something to brag about.

The colour palette includes Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Machine Grey, Titanium Flash, Sonic Silver, and the popular Deep Crystal Blue. If you don’t like any of these colours, you may like any of the optional colours that include Soul Red Crystal metallic, Polymetal Grey metallic, and Machine Grey metallic.

Interior Design and Space

Inside the cabin, you’ll see high-end materials in dark-coloured schemes and minimalist design.

It’s a sophisticated interior with a layout specifically designed to benefit the drivers. On top of the dashboard is an elegant-looking screen display, which is no longer touchscreen but is controlled by a rotary dial. There’s also a head-up display projected on the windshield and a new steering wheel with control buttons.

There is plenty of headspace and leg space up front that the driver and front passenger will feel very comfortable for sure. However, the same can’t be said for the rear passengers. Kids will surely find the rear space tighter and tighter as they grow up.

In terms of boot space, the cargo capacity of the new Mazda 3 hatch has lowered to 295 litres. The older version has 308 litres of boot space. When the Mazda 3 sedan becomes available in Australia, it will have 444 litres cargo capacity.

These could be a deal-breaker depending on your preference, but the cargo capacity shouldn’t be a problem for an average family.

Safety

All Mazda 3 models are packed with the most advanced safety features available today. They are equipped with vigilant warning systems and responsive hazard protection features including Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) with Pedestrian Recognition, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

The 2019 Mazda 3 introduces the new Vision Technology, which consists of 5 features that give you an effortless and safe drive. These features are 360º View Monitor, Rear and Front Parking Sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Cruising and Traffic Support, and Driver Monitoring. All of these safety features are available in every new Mazda 3 hatchback and soon, in Mazda 3 sedans as well.

Engine and Fuel Consumption

Both the G20 and G25 are SkyActiv four-cylinder petrol engines. G20 has a 2.0-litre displacement with 114kW/200Nm output and 6.1L/100km fuel economy, while G25 is a 2.5-litre engine that produces 139kW/252 Nm and fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km. Right now, there’s no plan in including a diesel engine option.

Driving/Handling

The 2019 Mazda 3 hatch and sedan are available in front-wheel drive (FWD). Although some countries will be getting an all-wheel drive(AWD) option, sadly, it will not be offered just yet in Australia.

After test driving the G25 GT manual and G25 Astina automatic, we felt that both manual and automatic models work seamlessly when accelerating or slowing down. Steering is great and very responsive, which is best for sports driving.

Moving around on busy streets, the Mazda 3s didn’t give a bad performance either. Although they don’t have the grit and power that you’ll find in a Hyundai i30 N or Golf GTI, we still find both models great to drive and easy to handle.

The Verdict

The new Mazda 3 is a great option if you are looking for a small car with outstanding safety technology. Both Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan look stunning, and the interior layout is just as great. They feel excellent to drive, plus the power and performance are good enough to get you going on your everyday travels.

Although the 2019 Mazda 3 is a little pricey compared to some other cars in the segment, all of the aforementioned features are well-worth your money.

If budget is not a problem, we suggest getting the 2019 Mazda 3 G25 GT or Astina to get best specs and feature. On the other hand, the G20 Evolve should be good enough if you’re working with a more limited budget.

Whichever 2019 Mazda 3 model you choose, it’s best to get pre-approved car finance before going to the dealerships.

Call us today on 1300 889 669 to talk to our finance experts and get your brand new 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback or sedan.

If you are ready to apply for a car loan, you can use our fast online application.