The new Mazda 3 - did not expect it to be so good!

After all, there is a new Mazda 3 - the car that so many people have been waiting for. One of the objectively most beautiful models of the compact class, which already in the previous generation impressed with its appearance. This time, the body of the car caused some controversy, but this is only confirmation of the consistent development of the KODO style, which means “soul of movement” in Japanese. What else is known about the Mazda 3? Gasoline engines will definitely not be helped by a turbocharger. 

Here it is, the new Mazda 3

When it was first introduced last year new mazda 3 in the hatchback version, some criticized the car for the new design of the rear. Personally, I have to admit that I wasn't completely convinced of this either. However, when I had the opportunity to see the new compact Mazda near Lisbon, Portugal for the first time, I was sure that no photos, even the best ones, could show what this car looks like in real life. And for all critics who have not seen the car with their own eyes and know its appearance from photographs, I recommend a ride to the nearest car dealership. Mazdasee how the body looks in reality, playing with the light reflected from the numerous embossings.

Mazda 3 design continues to strive for excellence

Although you can see references to the recently updated Mazda CX-5 or Mazda 6, it makes no sense to look for large analogies. Why? Therefore, the designers of the brand from Hiroshima decided that it was the compact "troika" that would open a new generation of the manufacturer's lineup. If you've seen a Mazda released in the past few years, you'll definitely notice the styling. new mazda 3 this is another evolution of the stylistic language used until now. I must say that every new Mazda model that debuts on the market looks better.

Silhouette new mazda 3 it is extremely dynamic, even sporty, but in the way the Japanese manufacturer is used to. Unobtrusive and elegant, but uncompromising, it is not to be confused with any other model. The grille is really big and low, and the black trim strip (thankfully it's not chrome!) blends in seamlessly with the low-set headlights for a very aggressive look. The front of the car was optically widened by a hood line that rises in an arc. The roofline slopes smoothly from the B-pillar and is complemented by a black-painted spoiler integrated into the tailgate. The most controversial element of the sideline, the design of the massive C-pillar, as I wrote earlier, looks completely different live than in pictures or videos.

Personally, when I see this car at different times of the day, in different body colors, I find this design consistent and convincing, but only after seeing the car in reality.

At the rear, we again find many details that emphasize the dynamic character of the "troika". Marker lights in the form of circles cut at the top are placed in sharply cut lampshades. The beefy bumper is painted black at the bottom and also features two large exhaust pipes. The tailgate is small, but when opened, access to the luggage compartment is optimal, although it is hampered by a much higher loading threshold than in the previous generation - this is the first of the few shortcomings that should be attributed new mazda model.

The best quality in every detail, i.e. take a look inside the new Mazda 3

The interior is a completely new quality. Remember our opinion on the updated summer 2018 Mazda 6? After all, we said that it should be so, that we have been waiting for this since 2012, when this model appeared on the market. Now I will say with all responsibility: no one expected such a level of performance and interior design in the new Mazda 3. Mazda has been reporting for several years that it is a manufacturer aiming for the premium class and, in my opinion, new mazda 3 is a milestone along the way.

Firstly, the quality of the materials used for interior trim is very impressive. new Mazda 3. Very wide, also on the doors (and behind!), soft, high-quality materials are used. The design of the dashboard does not let you forget that the driver is the most important. Despite the fact that the speedometer is displayed on a color screen, the graphics perfectly mimic the analog gauge. The tachometer is a classic, and many years later the cooler temperature indicator is back in vogue, replacing the hot-cold controls used in the previous generation.

The steering wheel itself has a completely new design, very similar to one of the German premium brands. There are other references to solutions known from this German brand, such as a new control knob for the multimedia system. But is this a complaint? Not! Because if Mazda aspiring to be a premium brand, it has to source its designs from somewhere.

The driver and passenger are wrapped in a leather-wrapped circle that runs door-to-door across the dashboard, looking very good and making a big impression. The number of buttons and knobs is kept to a minimum, but all control of the automatic air conditioner is possible from a small segment using physical buttons and knobs. In the central tunnel, in addition to the knob that controls the functions of the updated and significantly improved (compared to the previously used MZD Connect) multimedia system, there is also a physical volume potentiometer for the entertainment system.

You want more? AT 2019 Mazda 3 no touch screen! In this day and age, this may shock you. But is it wrong? When entering an address to navigate, the lack of a touch screen can be annoying, but with the Apple CarPlay interface and Android Auto, the problem is almost eliminated.

W new mazda 3 the center tunnel has also been widened, and the armrest, which many complained about in the previous generation, is huge this time around and its position can be adjusted. This is another proof that Mazda listens to the comments of its customers and adapts its vehicles to the real needs of those who want to drive them.

cherry on top? For me, this is a completely new sound system under the BOSE brand. Firstly, the system has been expanded from 9 to 12 speakers, and the woofers are built into the body, and not into the plastic parts of the door. This avoided vibrations of materials with very loud music, and the sound quality was raised to a level never seen before from this brand. Therefore, the BOSE system should be added to the must have list in case new Mazda 3.

What is good and famous about Mazda 3 left

Riding position and ergonomics are suitable for Mazda - that is, as they should be. The designers have spent a lot of time refining the design of the seats so that both body support during dynamic driving and comfort during long journeys are not mutually exclusive. In my opinion, the seats are much more comfortable than sports ones, but the lateral support of the body during dynamic turns is up to par.

The revolution we still have to wait

New Mazda 3. makes a revolution in terms of drive, because it is in this model that the Skyactiv-X engine will be used for the first time. It is a naturally aspirated spark-driven self-ignition gasoline engine that combines the advantages of a high compression gasoline engine with those of a diesel engine.

How does this block work in practice? We don't know this yet because Skyactiv-X will not be available until the second half of 2019. Meanwhile, under the hood of the units I tested, a unit appeared Skyactiv-G with 2.0 power and 122 hp and a torque of 213 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The engine, although similar in performance to that used in the previous generation, this time works with the system Soft hybrid with electrical installation 24V. Although, according to official technical data, the new “troika” is slower than the older generation (acceleration from zero to hundreds, according to the manufacturer, takes 10,4 seconds, earlier - 8,9 seconds), this is not noticeable while driving. The car is calm - until it reaches 4000 rpm. then new mazda 3 alive a second time. The engine sounds very characteristic and easily accelerates to the red field on the tachometer. Dynamic driving Mazda 3 is really a pleasure, and the steering and suspension maximize the potential of the car.

As before, those who truly appreciate driving pleasure will opt for a car with a manual six-speed transmission. The automatic, which also has six gears and a sport mode, is an option for those who mainly drive around the city.

New Mazda 3. it rides very confidently, comfortably when necessary (although the suspension is set up quite stiffly), and if you want to take turns faster or make sharp maneuvers, it works well with the driver.

Mazda 3 price dispute – is it true?

Mazda 3 prices in the basic version KAI Начальная сумма составляет 94 900 злотых, независимо от того, выбираем ли мы версию хэтчбек или седан. По этой цене мы получаем автомобиль с двигателем 2.0 Skyactiv-G мощностью 122 л.с. с механической коробкой передач. Доплата за машину составляет 8000 2000 злотых, краска металлик стоит 2900 3500 злотых, если только мы не выберем одну из премиальных красок (графитовый Machine Grey стоит злотых, а флагманский Soul Red Crystal злотых).

Standard equipment is surprisingly extensive. It's hard to list in one breath everything we can expect at this price, but it's definitely worth mentioning that standard equipment includes: Blind Spot Assist, active cruise control, head-up display displayed on the windshield, headlights and taillights . lamps in LED technology, 16-inch aluminum wheels or smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The currently available top version of HIKARI starts at PLN 109 and additionally has a 900-speaker BOSE audio system, 12-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated seats and steering wheel, or a 18-degree camera system with really impressive resolution.

Skyactiv-X and all-wheel drive versions will soon be added to the offer, while prices for the most expensive possible configuration will fluctuate around PLN 150. If we consider premium hatchbacks, then this amount allows for a small refinement of the car in the configuration with the base power unit. So that Mazda he knows perfectly well with whom and for what he is fighting.

The new Mazda 3 - from desire to implementation

New Mazda 3. This is the car that many have been waiting for, and it surprised everyone with a huge leap forward made by a small Japanese manufacturer from Hiroshima. With new compact model Mazda It became clear to everyone that the declarations repeated for several years about the desire to be a premium brand are slowly ceasing to be aspirations, and in a few years they will become a fact.

In this moment Mazda 3 it's just an alternative to the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 or Mercedes A-Class, but knowing these cars, I must admit that there are times when the Japanese compact MPV is ahead of its German competitors. And it's not about overtaking behind the wheel, because the currently available engine with a capacity of 122 hp. will not satisfy everyone. However, looking at the level of performance of the interior, equipment and appearance, I am convinced that many people who have not noticed the Mazda 3 before can begin to take this car very seriously.