When Mazda released the first teaser video of the
all-new Mazda3 last month, it said that the debut will take place in November. Now the Japanese carmaker has confirmed the Los Angeles Auto Show
(November 30-December 9) as the venue for the world debut of its new compact
models.
The 2019 Mazda3 will debut
simultaneously as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The automaker says the 2019 model
marks the beginning of a whole new generation of Mazda cars “that will deliver
new dimensions of driving joy to customers around the world.”
The fourth-generation Mazda3 will use the new
SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture which is said to be stronger and provide better
ride quality. Mazda says the new platform “enables people to make the most of
their natural sense of balance,” suggesting intuitive handling characteristics.
The new model will also pack the latest SkyActiv
engines. Mazda doesn’t get into details, but says the new powertrains “offer
responsive control of vehicle speed in any driving situation.” We do know that one of the new
power plants will be the SkyActiv-X gasoline engine featuring Spark Controlled
Compression Ignition. The 2.0-liter unit is expected to deliver around 190
horsepower and 230 Nm of peak torque.
Styling-wise, the all-new Mazda3 adopts “a richer
interpretation” of the carmaker’s Kodo design philosophy. The teaser photo partially
reveals that the hatchback will be the more emotional model, adopting design
cues from last year’s Kai Concept. As for the sedan, it appears to go for a
more traditional design, allowing Mazda to shoot two birds with one stone.
Expect the all-new Mazda3 to go on sale globally in the first half of 2019.
