In Brief: All-new Mazda 3 2019, the price you pay for beauty

(Model | Gallery)

Officially launched to the Malaysian market in July 2019, the fourth-generation Mazda 3 2019 garnered tremendous interest from netizens. Thanks to its emotive design and… Well frankly, purely for its sexy looks.

What Is the price of 2019 Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 2019 is offered in two body styles sedan and liftback (Mazda’s term for hatchback), making it a total of five variants in total.

Customers can choose from either a 1.5- or 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with drive going to the front wheels.

Being a fully imported model from Japan, the Mazda 3 2019 is the most expensive C-Segment sedan in Malaysia with prices starting from RM 139,620 to RM 160,059 (OTR without insurance).

The pick of the range would be range-topping 2.0 High Plus, available in both sedan or liftback versions. It is the only variant that comes with the Mazda i-Activesense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist System.

It is also the only variant to look the money with adaptive LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights and upsized 18-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels (215/45 R18 profile tyres).

Although the entry-level 1.5-litre variant was surprising capable mechanically and it comes with sufficient goodies. If you can live with a smaller engine capacity, the 1.5-litre Mazda 3 2019 is still quite a nippy car to drive.

Pros And Cons of 2019 Mazda 3

Looks aside, the Mazda 3 2019 has a properly upmarket interior that will wow even the biggest Audi loyalist. There is generous use of leather around the dashboard, a full colour windscreen-projected heads-up display, 8-speakers and an alluring 7.0-inch TFT-LCD full-colour digital instrument cluster display.

It is also the best drivers-oriented car in the class (maybe until the new Toyota Corolla Altis arrives). The talented chassis is well complemented by the sharp steering response and linear high-compression engine. An absolute joy behind the wheel for those who love and appreciate the art of driving.

That is the also reason why Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia hosted the official media test drive of the Mazda 3 2019 on Sepang International Circuit. It is that capable.

Interior packaging has never been Mazda’s strongest suit and that trait remains in the new Mazda 3 2019. Rear legroom is just not great for rear occupants and the thick C-pillars that eats into the rear outward visibility just makes matters worse.

Ride comfort is also not the best out there as the suspension is still a little too busy when going over undulations. The bigger wheels highlight this shortcoming even more.

What Are The Mazda 3 2019 Alternatives?

Those looking for a C-segment for their family needs will no doubt look for the popular Honda Civic FC. Its generous interior space is more suited for families and the 1.5-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine will no doubt win over those who have a need for speed.

There is also the Toyota Corolla Altis which is known for its bulletproof reliability for the conservative shoppers who prefers a safer choice. However, none of the aforementioned alternatives can quite stack up to the Mazda 3’s cabin design and driving experience.

Lastly, the Mazda 3 2019 will have a hard time convincing lukewarm buyers from putting their money down for one. For that price point, there are plenty of other more sensible options such as SUVs and even European brands.