New Mazda3 Lands With Skyactiv-X Engine, Available AWD
The new Mazda3 hatchback and sedan have made their debuts during a media event in Los Angeles.
As expected, the new Mazda3 hatchback stays true to Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language and looks very similar to the Kai concept that previewed it. The sedan, meanwhile, is quite a radical departure from its hatchback sibling, appearing more grown-up and sophisticated than the youthful five-door.
Under the hood of the new Mazda3 will be a range of four-cylinder engines. Both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine options will be on offer along with the highly anticipated Skyactiv-X spark controlled compression ignition engine. Mazda is staying tight-lipped with regard to power and torque figures for the two engines for now, though.
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Both six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions will be on offer, along with all-wheel drive with torque distribution control. Mazda has gone for a torsion beam suspension setup in the rear of the 3, while a MacPherson strut setup is found out front.
SEE ALSO: We Explain Mazda’s Fancy New SkyActiv-X Engine Tech in Layman’s Terms
The minimalist interior emphasizes a horizontal layout that spreads outward away from the driver. Mazda wanted to put a clear focus on the driver, reducing unneeded clutter and avoiding fussy designs. A neatly integrated 8.8-inch infotainment screen is standard and is controlled by a wheel mounted just aft of the gear lever.
Like all new cars, active safety is in abundance. An available Driver Monitoring system uses an infrared camera and infrared LEDs to observe the driver’s eyes while the vehicle is in motion, warning them if it detects them becoming tired. The system is paired with a Smart Brake Support (SBS) system, which will intervene earlier on the brakes if it detects the driver is already tired. Other available active safety tech includes Front Cross Traffic Alert and Cruising and Traffic Support.
Pricing and other details for the new Mazda3 will become available as the vehicle’s on-sale in 2019 approaches.
Discuss this story on our Mazda3 Forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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Was just looking at J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Survey & Mazda is ONE OF THE WORST!!!!!...I like some of their cars, the mazda-6, cx-9 are nice but but that's about it & I don't think their reliability is all that great either!!!!!...It seems the Japanese makes are just not as good in quality, features, and value compared to the Hyundai's & Kia's I've seen!...And some of the German, British & Italian makes, specifically Fiat, rate very low on this initial quality survey.The Korean's makes have come a long way, Kia was #1, beating out Porsche with Hyundai not far behind. IMO these Korean brand's are much better in the areas I mentioned above. Another thing I've found is Hyundai seems to be the ONLY car maker that produces it's own steel for it's cars, which to me has a lot to do with the quality/reliability of their vehicle's!!!!!
In this world of dominating SUV's and Crossovers, I've often thought the saving grace for sedans and hatchbacks was to offer AWD. Good on Mazda. SkyActiv X however will need a couple years to determine long term reliability...