The all-new Mazda3 unveiled today marks the dawn of a new era for Mazda. It is the first 7th Generation production model to adopt the further-evolved KODO design and new generation of Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture paired with exciting driving dynamics.
The further-evolved KODO design enters an exciting new stage of higher depth and sophistication to express a new form of elegance inspired by Japanese aesthetics. A simple “single motion” to its overall form, character lines are eliminated to bring the design to life through an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow that glides over the body surface. The result is a richer and more powerful expression of vitality than its predecessors. Despite sharing the same Mazda3 moniker, a completely new design approach was taken on the styling of the Sedan and Liftback, each embodying strikingly different personalities.
The “sleek and elegant” design concept of the sedan presents sophisticated beauty which speaks of maturity and refinement. Flowing from front to rear in a single motion, the body presents powerful proportions with a graceful profile. All elements at the front and rear adopt a horizontal layout orientation that accentuates the look of a wide and low stance. Its chrome plated signature wing expresses quality befitting the elegant air of this new sedan design. The combined result is a refined, mature expression of elegance.
In contrast, the liftback “condensed and emotional” design concept presents a powerful and seductive appeal that evokes a sense of exciting experiences to come. The body sides adopt constantly shifting reflections that create an expression of vitality without using character lines. Powerful C-pillars help create a unique rear design in which the cabin and body appear to form a single solid mass. The dark metallic color of the signature wing accentuates the liftback’s bold, sporty nature and clearly distinguishes it from the sedan version.
The new Mazda3 features a new lamp design that symbolizes the future of MAZDA design. The lamp design is based on a “less is more” approach to communicates the innate beauty of light itself. A simple ring-shape lighting pattern in the center accented by illumination on the side section to create a clear expression of linearity and depth. The rear combination lamps feature four round lights with gradations in their illumination that create an appearance of being directed toward the front. In addition, the three-dimensional design of the outer lenses on the liftback creates a solid look, while the lights for the sedan are placed closer together to convey elegance and a look of stability.
The new Mazda3 receives an all-new interior which applies the “less is more” to deliver a simpler, more beautiful design that helps drivers experience a perfect fit and connectedness while driving. The cockpit features a symmetrical layout and horizontal orientation that shaves away all unnecessary elements. The center console has been redesigned with the shift knob, new commander control and armrest moved forward, while the cupholders are repositioned to the front. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® are standard on the Mazda3 and are accessed via the all-new 8.8-inch MAZDA CONNECT’ Infotainment display.
To enhance the audio experience, the most significant change is one that can’t be seen. The advanced 3-way layout on the standard 8-speaker sound system came early in the development process so that each speaker can be placed in ideal locations. The woofers were moved to the front cowl, while other automakers usually place them in the car doors. This allowed Mazda’s audio engineers to reduce unwanted sound vibrations, such as items in the door pockets rattling, without sacrificing any base output. The other speakers were positioned to transmit sound directly toward the occupant’s ears rather than reflect the sound off the car’s windows or body panels.
Mazda has dramatically enhanced the Mazda3’s fundamental driving attributes such that accelerating, turning and braking feel completely natural. Mazda’s new Skyactiv Vehicle-Architecture realizes a perfect fit with human sensibilities in terms of ride comfort and handling, enabling drivers to make the most of their natural sense. Mazda’s SkyactivVehicle Dynamics evolved “G-Vectoring Control Plus” equipped onto the Mazda3 improves handling in emergency collision avoidance maneuvers while offering a reassuring feeling of control when changing lanes on the highway and slippery road surfaces.
The upgraded driving experience goes beyond just premium look and feel. Mazda focused on reducing the noise, vibration and harshness in the Mazda3 by identifying the sound characteristics that directly impact the cabin occupants. These include improvements such as the sound-absorbing functionality added to the headliner and floor mats and applying a new “two-wall” insulation structure that leaves a space between the body and carpeting on the floor.
Standard safety technologies in the Mazda3 includes 7 SRS Airbags (Front Driver & Passenger, Driver Knee, Side and Curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and Hill Launch Assist (HLA).
The all-new Mazda3 High Plus variants come equipped with Mazda’s flagship i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety features which include; Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), High Beam Control (HBC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Front & Rear Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).
The all-new MAZDA3 joins the growing list of award-winning Mazda models designed with KODO by capturing the coveted “Best of the Best” prize at the 2019 Red Dot Design awards.
The all-new MAZDA3 is currently CBU from Japan and is available in two engine choices; SKYACTIV-G 1.5L & 2.0L with SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-Speed Automatic transmission with Manual Shift mode, along with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus). The colour line-up includes Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl and Polymetal Gray Metallic (Liftback Only); making a total of 7 colors available for the liftback version and 6 colors for the sedan version. Exclusive to the MAZDA3 liftback, Polymetal Gray Metallic is a newly developed exterior colour option that fuses the hard appearance of metal with the glossy and smoothness of polycarbonate plastic to create an entirely new expression of style.
Selling prices for the liftback & sedan start from RM 139,620.00. All new Mazda vehicles registered from January 1, 2019 onwards will have 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty + 5-Years Free Maintenance (except Mazda BT-50) according to manufacturer’s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants. Both Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.
For more information, visit mazda.com.my.
