Local specifications and pricing have been announced for the 2019 Mazda 3 range, the new generation of the popular small car is heading upmarket with prices starting at $24,990 plus on-road costs.
The new pricing structure means entry to the Mazda 3 range is now $4500 more than before, Mazda claims to have improved standard equipment, the design, driving performance, dynamics, safety, and NVH.
Speaking of NVH, Mazda says extensive work has been done to improve the car’s refinement with a range of measures deployed to reduce NVH levels. The new Mazda 3 marks Mazda's first application of a "two-wall" structure that leaves space between the body and carpet which allows engineers to match the characteristics of each wall to the sound-deadening material. These measures are complemented by components made from 1,310 MPa-class high-strength steel.
The list of standard kit is long, all variants get autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and push-button start, head-up display, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen and a 7.0-inch driver information display housed in the instrument cluster.
While the new exterior is thoroughly modern, it’s the interior that raises the bar. Mazda has adopted a minimalist approach with a focus on improving the 3’s ergonomics. The telescopic steering has an additional 10mm of movement to deliver a wider range of adjustment, the front seat cushion can now be tilted, the gear shifter has been moved forward and positioned higher, while the commander control has also moved forward and the cupholders have been repositioned.
Two engine options will be available at launch, both of which are Euro 5 compatible and familiar across the Mazda range.
G20 models will use a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit producing 114kW and 200Nm. On the combined cycle, consumption is rated at 6.1L/100km. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The auto is a traditional torque converter transmission and adds just $1000 to the price, Mazda expects 90 per cent of buyers to tick the box.
G25 variants will use a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine developing 139kW and 252Nm (up 1kW/2Nm) with the same transmission choices. Fuel consumption is listed at 6.5L/100km, helped by cylinder deactivation technology.
The much-hyped Skyactiv-X engine which utilises Spark Controlled Compression Ignition to deliver “superior initial response and powerful torque of a diesel engine” will join the range later this year.
G-Vectoring Plus (GVC Plus) has also been introduced, which uses the brakes to add direct yaw moment control for greater stability. The system applies light braking force to the outer wheels and assists the steering to return to the straight-ahead position when exiting a corner for more stable high-speed driving.
Safety has been significantly improved, along with AEB all Mazda 3 variants feature radar cruise control with stop & go, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and forward obstruction warning as standard.
Additionally, buyers of lower grades can option the Vision Technology package for $1500 which brings a 360-degree camera system, adaptive LED headlights, driver monitor, front cross-traffic alert and reverse autonomous emergency braking.
The new Mazda 3 will be on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2019.
2019 Mazda 3 equipment highlights:
Mazda 3 G20
2.0-litre petrol engine
16-inch alloy wheels (silver finish)
7.0-inch TFT LCD multi-information display
8.8-inch infotainment screen
Head-up display
Keyless entry and push-button start
Manual air-conditioning
Seven airbags
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
AM/FM tuner, MP3, Bluetooth, DAB+ Digital Radio and eight speakers
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
Electric parking brake with Auto Hold
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
Headlamps (LED) with auto on/off function
High Beam Control (HBC)
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go
Multi-function commander control dial
Parking sensors (rear)
Power mirrors (body coloured, auto folding)
Power windows with auto up/down (all windows)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear spoiler (hatch only)
Reverse camera
Satellite navigation
Seat trim: Black cloth
Seat (driver) with cushion tilt adjustment
Seats (rear) with 60/40 split-fold backrest
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
Smart Brake Support – [Rear] (SBS R)
Speed sensing door locks
Reach and rake adjustable steering wheel extended to 70mm
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
USB input (iPod compatible)
Wiper (rear) with intermittent function (hatch only)
Wipers (front) 2-speed with rain-sensing function
G20 Evolve adds
18-inch alloy wheels
Dual-zone climate control with rear vents
Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
Leather-wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel
Paddle shift gear control (auto only)
Seats (rear) with centre fold-down armrest
G25 Evolve adds
2.5-litre petrol engine
Advanced keyless entry
Seat (driver) with 10-way power adjustment, lumbar adjustment and auto slide function
G20 Touring adds
Auto-dimming exterior rear-view mirror (driver side)
Overhead sunglass storage box
Black leather seat trim
Vanity mirrors (front) with illumination
Seat (driver) and rear-view mirrors with two-position memory function
G25 GT adds
Front seats with heating function
Power mirrors (heated)
Premium Bose audio system and 12 speakers
Steering wheel with heating function
G25 Astina adds
18-inch alloy wheels (hatch: black finish, sedan: bright finish)
360-degree View Monitor
Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS)
Driver Monitoring
Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
Front parking sensors
Seat trim: Black leather or optional Pure white leather (sedan) or Burgundy leather (hatch)
Smart Brake Support [Rear Crossing] (SBS-RC)
Sunroof
2019 Mazda 3 pricing (exclude on-road costs):
G20 Pure manual - $24,990
G20 Pure auto - $25,990
G20 Evolve manual - $26,690
G20 Evolve auto - $27,690
G20 Touring manual - $28,990
G20 Touring auto - $29,990
G25 Evolve manual - $29,490
G25 Evolve auto - $30,490
G25 GT manual - $33,490
G25 GT manual - $34,490
G25 Astina manual - $36,990
G25 Astina auto - $37,990
Options
Vision Technology package - $1500
Includes a 360-degree camera system, adaptive LED headlights, driver monitor, front cross-traffic alert and reverse autonomous emergency braking.
Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey and Polymetal Grey metallic paint - $495
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