Carmaker lets cars speak for themselves
Japanese marque’s lineup includes updates, both inside and out
Generally, Mazda doesn’t engage in much attention-seeking behaviour.
It isn’t among the group of manufacturers that annually spends buckets of money on Super Bowl ads, or signs movie stars or big-time athletes to serve as global spokespeople. Sure, Mazda has produced its share of memorable commercials and marketing campaigns, but it usually avoids over-thetop stunts.
Instead, the Hiroshima-based Japanese marque prefers to let its cars do the talking and, in 2019, Mazda will have much to say.
Mazda3/Mazda3 Sport
Headlining the company’s presence at the Canadian International AutoShow is the compact Mazda3 (sedan) and Mazda3 Sport (hatchback), both of which are completely new for 2019.
To say these cars are core to Mazda’s fortunes is a massive understatement. With more than six million sold globally since launch in 2003, the Mazda3 has been a key driver of Mazda’s growth over the past decade plus.
The mid-size CX-5 SUV is nipping at the 3’s heels as the bestselling Mazda in Canada, and is now the bestseller in North America, but the 3 remains a very important car for the company’s aspirations, short and long-term.
The fourth-generation 2019 models are the first Mazdas to receive the company’s new Kodo design language, which is highlighted by “single motion,” which refers to the way light, shadows and reflections move across the body to give the car a more dramatic design expression.
Of note, Mazda has worked to make the cars more distinctive visually from one another — the sedan leans more into elegance, while the sport’s looks are emotional.
On the powertrain front, two naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G engines (2.0-litre four-cylinder, 2.5-litre fourcylinder), married to transmissions (six-speed manual, six- speed automatic) are available. Mazda’s spark-controlled compression ignition engine (SKYACTIV-X), which is designed to marry efficiency with performance, will launch in Europe this year, followed by Japan. Other markets, including Canada, will follow at a later date.
Another significant change is the availability of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system, a first for the 3 line. Front wheel-drive is standard across the board, with all-wheel drive available on GS and GT models. The base engine for GX and GS models is the 2.0-litre (155 hp/150 lb-ft), while the 2.5-litre (186 hp/186 lb-ft) is available as an option on the GS and is standard on the GT.
The 2019 Mazda3 is on sale now. Pricing starts at $18,000 for the sedan and $21,300 for the hatchback. CX-5 Signature Mazda’s No. 2 selling car in Canada — and its bestselling vehicle worldwide with more than two million units sold — rolls into 2019 with an all-new trim level, the CX-5 Signature.
This range-topping trim is powered by a turbocharged SKYACTIV 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine (227 hp/310 lb-ft) also found in the larger CX-9 utility and Mazda6 sedan. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the CX-5 Signature comes loaded with extras, including premium materials such as cocoa-brown leather seating and abachi wood trim, along with a customizable 7-inch digital gauge display, 10-speaker Bose audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and more.
The 2019 CX-5 Signature is available now and retails for $40,950. CX-3 Mazda’s smallest SUV brings several changes with it for the 2019 model year, including a slight horsepower bump (to 148 from 146) from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Torque output (148) carries over unchanged.
The 2019 CX-3 also receives a mild styling update, which includes a new grille, headlights and tail lights. Noteworthy interior changes include a redesigned dashboard, centre console and updated upholstery. Apple CarPlay and Android Au- to are now standard across the CX-3 model range. The Canadian CX-3 range consists of GX, GS and GT models. A six-speed manual is available on the front-wheel drive GX trim, while a six-speed automatic is standard on all GS and GT combinations.
The 2019 CX-3 is on sale now, starting at $21,045. MX-5 Mazda’s iconic two-seat roadster receives a significant power boost and some packaging changes for 2019. Under the hood, the MX-5 receives a revised 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine that now produces 181 hp (up from 155) and 151 lb-ft of torque (up from 148). A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the range, with a six-speed automatic available as an option.
On the packaging front, the base GX trim has been replaced with the GS grade, with new standard equipment including a 7-inch colour touchscreen and additional safety tech.
The 2019 MX-5 is on sale now and starts at $32,900. The MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) starts at $39,900.