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.
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Facts and Figures | |
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Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder NA |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Power | 162 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 213 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
Weight | 1,402 kg |
0-100 km/h | 9.9 seconds |
100-0 km/h | 38.3 metres |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Driving Performances Breakdown | ||
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Engine | Acceleration | 3.5 / 5 |
In-gear Acceleration | 3.5 / 5 | |
Throttle Response | 4 / 5 | |
Transmission | Shift Logic | 2.5 / 3 |
Smoothness | 4 / 5 | |
Sport/Manual Mode | 3 / 3 | |
Steering | Accuracy | 2 / 3 |
Response | 2 / 3 | |
Weight & Feel | 2.5 / 3 | |
Braking | Distance | 2 / 3 |
Feel | 2 / 3 | |
Handling | Chassis Balance | 2 / 3 |
Grip | 2 / 3 | |
Load Reaction | 2.5 / 3 | |
Total | 37.5 / 50 pts |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Noise Level | |
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60 km/h | 61 dB |
90 km/h | 64 dB |
110 km/h | 67 dB |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Ride Comfort Breakdown | |
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Sound Proofing | 8 / 10 |
Suspension | 6 / 10 |
Passenger Comfort | 7 / 10 |
Seat Support | 4 / 5 |
Ergonomics | 4 / 5 |
Engine Refinement | 7 / 10 |
Total points | 36 / 50 pts |
Quality and Features – 40/50 pts, best-in-class quality
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Exterior Material Use | ||
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Bonnet | Soundproofing Material | Thin |
Struts | Manual | |
Front Fenders | Soundproofing Material | Yes |
Doors | Front Windows | Single Glazed |
Rear Windows | Single Glazed | |
Construction | One-piece | |
Tailgate/Boot | Opening | Manual |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Panel Gaps | |||
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Location | Driver Side | Passenger Side | Difference |
Bonnet | 2.5 | 3.0 | 0.5 |
Front Fender | 2.5 | 3.0 | 0.5 |
Front to Rear Door | 3.0 | 2.5 | 0.5 |
Rear Door to C-Pillar | 3.0 | 2.5 | 0.5 |
Tailgate | 3.0 | 2.5 | 0.5 |
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Paint thickness (µm) | ||
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Location | Driver Side | Passenger Side |
Front Bonnet | 84 | |
Front Fender | 78 | 72 |
Front Door | 94 | 85 |
Rear Door | 85 | 85 |
C-Pillar | 92 | 91 |
Tailgate | 94 | |
Roof | 69 | |
Average paint thickness: 85 |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Cabin Material Use | ||
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Seat | Seat Cover | Leather |
Armrest | Armrest Cover | Leather |
Dashboard | Upper Section | Soft Plastic |
Lower Section | Hard Plastic | |
Front Doors | Upper Section | Soft Plastic |
Middle Section | Leather | |
Lower Section | Hard Plastic |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Quality & Features Breakdown | ||
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Exterior | Paint Finish | 4 / 5 |
Panel Gaps | 2 / 5 | |
Interior | Build Quality | 4.5 / 5 |
Materials Used | 4.5 / 5 | |
Features | Safety | 10 / 10 |
ADAS | 4 / 5 | |
Luxury | 3 / 5 | |
Convenience | 3 / 5 | |
Infotainment | 5 / 5 | |
Total | 40 / 50 pts |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Interior Space Breakdown | |
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Front Row | 6 / 10 |
Middle/Back Row | 7 / 10 |
Third Row | 0 / 5 |
Boot Space | 2 / 5 |
Practicality | 3 / 5 |
Storage Space | 4 / 5 |
Visibility | 3.5 / 5 |
Storage Flexibility | 4 / 5 |
Total | 27.5 / 50 pts |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Fuel Consumption Test Breakdown | |
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Fuel Consumption | 12 / 15 |
Eco Mode | 0 / 2 |
Indicator Accuracy | 1.5 / 3 |
Total points | 13.5 / 20 pts |
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.
2019 Mazda 3 2.0L Sedan High Plus - Purchase & Cost | ||
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Purchase | Car Price | 6 / 15 |
Warranty | 3 / 5 | |
Cost | Maintenance | 5 / 5 |
Fuel Cost | 4 / 5 | |
Total | 18 / 30 pts |
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.
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2023 Mazda 3 Sedan 2.0 High
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