Mazda’s compact fraternal twins have upped their game with newstyling, performance and optional all-wheel drive
In a world awash in wagon-shaped utility vehicles, it’s understandable if you’ve forgotten about the wealth of sedans and hatchbacks, both large and small, permeating the automotive landscape.
A prime example is the soon-toarrive 2019Mazda3 that’s available in both body styles and — significantly — with optional all-wheel drive.
The cars are the recipients of the first roof-to-rubber makeovers since the 2014 model year. They possess striking good looks that, in the sedan’s case, make it appear similar to the midsizeMazda6.
BothMazda3 variants share the same basic appearance ahead of the front doors. It’s from the rear doors back, though, where the hatchback differs. The extra-wide roof pillars dominate the car’s hindquarters. There’s barely any body extension past the rear wheels, which explains why the hatchback is about 7 inches shorter than the sedan, even though they both share the same distance between the front and rear wheels.
This, the fourth-generationMazda3, is built offMazda’s latest SkyactivVehicle Architecture that the automaker reports is lighter and stronger. Attached to it are new underpinnings that include replacing the independent rear suspension with a seemingly less-sophisticated — as in simpler— torsion-beam setup.
Inside, the restyled dash layout and controls feel more driver-focused, including a reconfigurable gauge cluster and a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen that’s angled inward. An oversized console-mounted control knob, which operates most vehicle systems, is a nice touch, particularly if the user is wearing gloves.
Other interior adjustments include redesigned front and rear seats, greater telescoping range for the steering wheel, and more sound insulation.
There are also some interesting changes under the hood. The 155-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which served as the base engine, has been replaced by the previously optional 2.5-liter I-4. It’s rated at 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission choices consist of a sixspeed manual, or optional six-speed automatic with available paddle-shift control.
Fuel economy will likely approximate the 2018Mazda3with the 2.5-liter engine: 26 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway.
For the first time, all-wheel drive will be available for both the sedan and hatchback, but only when fitted with the automatic transmission. Although not a utility vehicle, theMazda3 hatch actually provides a bridge model between the small CX-3 and the larger CX-5.
Later in the model year, Mazda3 buyers can opt for the Skyactiv-X engine option. This unique supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder uses electric assist and compression ignition (similar to how
a diesel engine functions). The result, according toMazda, is a significant improvement in fuel economy, although there’s no hard data to compare.
Both FWD and AWD versions come withMazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus. This system temporarily reduces engine torque when entering a turn, loading more g-force over the front axle and enhancing steering response.
Mazda3 pricing— including destination charges— starts at $21,900 for the sedan and $24,500 for the hatchback.
For the price difference, the hatch is better equipped and comeswith dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloywheels (16-inchers on the sedan). The range of standard active-safety technologies for the hatchback now includes DriverAttention Alert that issues a warning soundwhen driver inattentiveness is detected.
Note that these same features are available with the extra-cost sedanexclusive Select package.
The Preferred package that’s available for both sedan and hatchback adds a premium 12-speaker Bosebrand audio system, heated front seats and a power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and memory settings.
The Premium package comes with leather-covered seats, power moonroof, head-up windshield-projection and adaptive LED headlights that pivot in the direction of a turn.