ALL-WHEELIE THEN!
2019 Mazda gets total makeover and an all-wheel-drive option
TLOS ANGELES he fourth-generation of the Mazda3 is sharper looking, it has a much classier interior and a new platform, and comes with optional all-wheel drive. That, by any standard, is a comprehensive makeover.
As before, the Mazda3 will be offered both as a sedan and a hatchback. The new look gets its key cues from the Kai concept, and both body styles have some slight changes. The sedan is more formal in appearance, but continues to have the traditional character lines in the side profile. The hatch has a sportier look, devoid of the side character lines. Instead, it has new curves in the doors and the fenders.
While looks are important, the Mazda3 takes the biggest strides beneath the shapely sheet metal. The new platform gives all of the mechanicals a solid base of operations, and it has better sound insulation and isolation; it’s now the quietest car in the segment by a wide margin. Lexus-like is not overstating things.
The big news is the addition of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheeldrive system. It drives the front wheels under normal conditions, but can transfer up to 50 per cent of power to the rear wheels, and it does so proactively. It looks at the engine, transmission, steering angle and brake usage, along with other information, such as outside temperature and wiper usage, to determine when wheel slip is about to occur, and then reapportions the torque accordingly.
The latest update extends the original ability of the G-Vectoring Control system by adding a brake function. Heading into a corner, the system reduces engine torque slightly to load up the front tires, which brings a crisper, more responsive turn-in. At the exit of the corner, it dabs the outside front brake to get the Mazda3 back on track in a smooth manner.
It’s a simple system that improves the Mazda3’s responsiveness, as it proved on a hard and way-too-fast run up a delightfully twisty canyon road.
The other significant change is found in the rear suspension. The previous multi-link design has given way to a simpler torsion-beam setup. Now, before the worrywart enthusiasts begin their hand-wringing, the switch actually improves the handling characteristics while maintaining the ride comfort.
The In fact, the Mazda3 is the segment best when it comes to steering feel and reaction to input. Again, the combined effects of G-Vectoring Plus and the steering saw the Mazda3 scamper through some serious switchbacks as if on rails.
At launch, the Mazda3 will be offered with two Skyactiv-G engines.
The base will be the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder, with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Next up is the 2.5-L in-line four with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be mated to a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission, but while all trim levels of the hatch will get the choice of manual, the sedans will only offer a manual in the GX and GS trims.
The intriguing news is the rollout of Mazda’s Skyactiv-X Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) engine. It uses a gas engine’s traditional spark ignition and a diesel-like compression ignition cycle to deliver superior fuel economy, lower emissions and better power delivery. It still burns gasoline, but when the conditions are right it operates like a diesel, bringing significantly better lowend torque and fuel economy. When I tested this engine a while ago, it slashed the fuel consumption by 17.8 per cent compared to the current 2.0-L engine, which is astounding by any standard. The timing of its arrival is uncertain, although it will likely not be until the 2020 model year.
The new Mazda3’s cabin is modern with a simple, clean design and a high-tech look. It has classier materials and a higher degree of comfort. Leading the list of upgrades is a new infotainment system that works with a larger 8.8inch display and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The format and layout of the central controller has been simplified, so it’s easier to scroll through the menus. A favourite button then allows the driver to store everything from radio presets to navigation destinations in one place, and call them up with a single push.
Also worthy of note is the quality of the sound system — pointing the tweeters and mid-range speakers at the riders, and moving the bass speakers from the doors to a spot by the A-pillar kick panel, eliminates the usual buzz and distortion when the sound system is cranked. And this is the base system; the up-level Bose unit sounds even better.
The latest Mazda3 also gets more safety equipment. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all models except the base GX sedan, where it’s an option. The GS and GT trims include everything from adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, to a new drowsy-driver monitor — a camera looks for an inattentive or sleepy driver and warns accordingly.
The Mazda3 has been the darling of the compact class since its introduction. With its new look, swanky interior, engine choices and available all-wheel drive, the latest model will reclaim it status as the benchmark for the segment.
Starting at $18,000 for the base GX with a manual transmission, the Mazda3 sedan tops out at $30,400 for the GT with its 2.5-L engine, automatic transmission and allwheel-drive system. The hatchback starts at $21,300 and tops out at $31,400.