The first Mazda 3 was introduced in 2003, and ever since then, it has been a strong seller. However, only after the third-generation arrived ten years later, did the Mazda 3 become one of the top models in the compact market. The third-gen vehicle is popular worldwide, and it received a minor update in 2016 just to keep it fresh. However, the Japanese automaker is already preparing the next-generation, and according to the Mazda’s North American design director, Julian Montousse, new 2019 Mazda 3 will borrow styling cues from the fabulous RX Vision Concept.
The new RX Vision Concept will be an inspiration to several vehicles in the company’s future lineup, not just to the new Mazda 3. However, the Mazda 3 will be the first car to take the concept’s sporty design cues, and even though it will not arrive until 2018, we can predict what the future model is going to look like. But before we go on to the analysis, we need to mention that the next-gen car has been caught on camera for the first time and based on the stickers seen on the prototype, the new model will come with the new Skyactiv-X engine tech.
Exterior
The RX Vision Concept represents the sportiest design ever created by this carmaker, but don’t expect to see all those aggressive parts on the production Mazda 3. The hatch will bring the similar grille and thinner headlights which run all the way into the chrome frame. The front grille will come with horizontal slats instead of the honeycomb mesh, whereas thin LED strips carved into the front fenders will not be included. Meanwhile, side intakes will be sleek and wide. Also, a slender opening underneath the V-shaped grille is expected.
The new fender vent similar to the one on the RX Vision will be featured on the sides, while the roof line will be modified together with the wheel design. The taillights will be slimmer to correspond with the sporty appearance of the entire car. The size of the vehicle will not change, but if it does, it will be just by few inches.
2019 Mazda 3 Interior
The exterior will change, but what happens inside? We expect to see a brand-new cabin with the same clean and simple layout of the current interior, but with a more modern look and additional features. The control layout of the center stack should be different, the infotainment screen larger and integrated into the dash instead of one at the top. The steering wheel will be new, whereas instrument cluster redesigned with bigger displays on each side and sportier look.
The seats are expected to be more comfortable with extra headroom and legroom. The features on the ongoing Mazda 3 are already fascinating, so only some of them might get upgraded. Moreover, the materials will be of a better quality, while the range-topper version should receive two-tone leather upholstery. Cutting-edge tech will be sported including advanced navigation, additional connectivity features, and improved audio system. A semi-autonomous drive is plausible.
Drivetrain
We don’t know all of the engines which will power the fourth-generation Mazda 3 but the new 2.0-liter I4 has already been confirmed. Delivered with the Skyactiv-X nameplate, this unit offers fantastic fuel economy of diesel powerplants and performance of gasoline units. Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SCCI) tech is new in Mazda’s lineup, and it ignites the fuel-air mixture similar to an oil burner, but it emits less NO2 compared to the current tech the Japanese manufacturer uses for gasoline engines.
The emission and fuel economy figures are unknown at the moment, but the Skyactiv-X engine should be between 20 and 30 percent more efficient than the ongoing Skyactiv-G lineup. Furthermore, the new unit will deliver between 10 and 30 percent of additional torque. In the meantime, we are waiting for the confirmation of the 1.5- and 2.5-liter units, but if one of them will be carried over, it will be the smaller one. We are also waiting to see what happens with the 2.2-liter diesel powerplant.
Mazda is preparing new transmissions as well. The new manual will probably have six speeds once again, but the six-speed automatic might be gone, and instead of it we could see the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The hybrid version is on the table.
2019 Mazda 3 Price
It is far too early to discuss pricing of the 2019 Mazda 3, but the next-gen will be more expensive than the current model. The ongoing four-door sedan costs $17,845 whereas the five-door hatch starts at $18,545. Perhaps, the new-gen will go from around $20,000. Once it goes on sale, this vehicle will compete against reliable Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus.
