Mazda has a well-earned reputation for producing vehicles that place the emphasis on driving dynamics.
For more than 15 years, the Mazda3 has been more rewarding to drive than the rest of the pack, and the last few generations have been a lot better looking.
To these eyes, the new 2019 Mazda 3, especially in hatchback guise, are the best-lookers of the segment.
While the styling is familiar, the 2019 Mazda3 is new; based on a new platform, it is even better looking and boasts improvements across the board. The interior is more upscale, the noise levels reduced, and performance and handling moved further ahead of the pack.
The interior looks and feels as though it belongs in a higher class. The upscale impression is fed by an attention to detail, fit and finish and quality of materials. The lack of road or wind noise is quickly evident and adds to the luxury car feel
I have to mention the 12-speaker Bose audio system that comes with the Premium package. It comes with both front and rear woofers, real metal for the speaker grills, tweeters on the doors near the A-pillar base, a centre front speaker and others on the base of both front doors.
There is nothing too unique about all this, but the sound engineers at Bose have successfully created studio-quality sound worthy of a much higher price, in a small car. Great system.
The infotainment system has been upgraded as well with a bright, clear scene perched atop the centre stack controlled by a rotary knob flanked by a quartet of direct access buttons. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The new platform allows room for a driveshaft to the rear wheels, making AWD available across all models. It is a very sophisticated system, that not only takes the worry out of winter, but enhances driving dynamics under all conditions.
AWD is available only with an automatic transmission. The Mazda3 is one of the few cars still available with a manual gearbox. But the take-up rate is so low it makes no sense to offer AWD with the manual. Normally, manual transmission are the exclusive domain of the least expensive vehicle in the lineup, allowing manufacturers to market a low price.
The tester was at the other end of the price spectrum. It came in GT trim with a Premium package.
Mazda’s 2.5-litre four is the only engine available in Mazda3s south of the border. Here we get a choice of 2.0 or 2.5 litre powerplants. The smaller one puts out 155 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque and allow Mazda to offer a “3” at less than $20,000. The larger engine produces 186 hp and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. Go for the latter.
The 2.5 provides adequate power, but frankly something with such a high level of driving dynamics could use more grunt. Maybe a turbocharged 2.5? The current engine is certainly competitive, it is just that this car has you looking for more.
My only other gripe is that the swoopy styling that is so attractive, includes very wide C-pillars and a belt line that curves up at the rear. The result is a large blind spot to the rear quarters and a somewhat claustrophobic rear seat.
The newest Mazda3 carries on a reputation for class-leading driving dynamics, stand apart styling and a high level of safety and other features. The overall feel, especially inside, is of a more premium vehicle.
The specs
- Model: 2019 Mazda3 Sport GT with Premium package
- Engine: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, 186 horsepower, 186 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel
- Transmission: six-speed manual
- NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 9.2 /6.6
- Length: 4,459 mm
- Width: 2,028 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,726 mm
- Weight: 1,483 kg
- Price: $30,995 base and as tested, plus freight
- Standard equipment: black metallic finish 18-in alloy wheels, heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, mirror-integrated turn signal indicators), 18-cm digital display cluster, 22-cm wide infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose audio system, adaptive LED headlights, an electronic parking brake, two USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, smart brake support and smart city brake support, automatic high-beams, blind spot monitoring, active cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory function, power glass moonroof, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather trimmed upholstery, windshield-projected head-up display, rear parking sensors, SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription, advanced keyless entry, navigation with traffic sign recognition, front wiper de-icer, HomeLink wireless control system, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors with memory seat link
- Options on test vehicle: none
