Ratings: 2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus – Top marks in quality, 174.5 overall

In this week’s WapCar Ratings, we’re analyzing the 2019 Mazda 3 Sedan 2.0 High Plus to evaluate all aspects from driving performance to purchase and cost.

Driving Performance – 37.5/50 pts, feels like an extension of your body

Power from the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine isn’t as strong as in the turbocharged Honda Civic, but it’s punchy enough at lower revs and will happily climb up to the redline, with a smooth and linear power delivery. 

The 6-speed automatic transmission feels direct and shifts are crisp. The shifts are intuitive as it will hold on to gears in corners or downshift, if necessary, to maintain speed when going uphill. But it has a tendency to hold on to gears for too long at times, even when sport mode is not selected.

Steering feels natural and the chassis reacts predictably according to driver inputs. The GVC+ works its magic in the background through the corners, ensuring a smooth affair.

Ride Comfort – 36/40 pts, firm but controlled

Suspension is on the firm side but maintains a reasonable amount of pliancy. Broken surfaces are felt at low speeds, though it improves as the speed climbs.

Driving position is spot on, with perfectly centered steering wheel and ideal pedal positioning. Seats are nicely sculptured and supportive, though not quite as plush as in the Corolla. The rear seats are supportive as well.

Noise insulation is impressive with minimal rolling noise and the cabin feels shut off from the outside world. However, the engine does make itself heard when driven spiritedly. At 110 km/h, it averaged 67 dB, which is the quietest in class.

Quality and Features – 40/50 pts, best-in-class quality

Panel gaps deviated by no more than 0.5 mm from opposite sides, which indicates above average build quality. It's also worth noting that the panel gaps are smaller in average than most cars, at 2.5 - 3.0 mm.

Interior build and material quality are class-leading. There’s soft leather across the middle of the dashboard and door panels as well as parts of the centre console.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is available but not very well integrated. It won’t switch between sources when Android Auto is running, so you have exit it to switch to FM radio.

While it gets the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), it doesn’t feature low speed follow, which rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis have. So, it gets 1 point knocked off in the ADAS section.

Space and Practicality – 29.5/50 pts, a little tight at the rear

Kneeroom at the rear is rather tight for its segment while headroom is about on par with the competition.

Storage spaces are better appointed than in the Toyota Corolla. There’s a tray on the driver side under the buttons for memory seat function, a compartment north of the cupholder, and a decently-sized centre storage.

Fuel consumption – 13.5/30 pts, most efficient in class

After completing a 100.2 km journey broken down to 60% highway and 40% city driving, the amount of fuel required to fill brim the tank is 7.59 litres.

Which gives a calculated figure of 7.6-litre/100 km. However, the trip computer showed 8.5-litre/100 km. In comparison, the turbocharged Honda Civic returned 7.9-litre/100 km and the Toyota Corolla Altis recorded 7.7-litre/100 km.

Purchase and Cost – 18/30 pts, rather pricey

The fully-imported 2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus is priced at RM 160,059 (price with SST incentive is RM 154,679, valid until 31 December 2020). It is the most expensive C-segment sedan isn’t as well-rounded as the Honda Civic.

On the upside, Mazda Malaysia offers a 5-year free maintenance program and it is the most fuel-efficient in its class.

Conclusion – 174.5/250 pts overall

The 2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus offers the best driving experience among its class, has the best build and material quality, and is the most fuel-efficient. But interior space, particularly at the rear, is rather tight and it is the most expensive in its segment.

If space is not your priority and you’re willing to fork out the premium over its rivals, then the Mazda 3 Sedan should be on top of your shortlist.