2019 Mazda 3 revealed for Australia, gets a steep price hike

KUALA LUMPUR: 2019 Mazda 3 pricing details and specifications have been revealed in Australia. Surprisingly, Australia's second best selling car has received a steep price hike, but at the same time, it’s more upmarket, smarter, and safer. The entry-level G20 pure variant now costs AUD$4,500 (RM 13k) more and has an on-road price tag of AUD$30,000 (RM 87k). The base model also comes with an optional automatic gearbox, which costs AUD$1,000 (RM 2.9k) extra.

Mazda 3 hatchback version will arrive early next quarter, followed by the sedan which will be launched during the second half of this year. According to Mr Vinesh Bhindi, the managing director of Mazda, the hike is a part of Mazda’s new strategy that focuses on SUVs.

“From our point of view, the new Mazda 3 will set a new standard in the small-car segment. Tradition has it that some customers see it as an entry point but there are other options for the entry point.”

According to Bhindi, Mazda 3 will set a new standard in the segment. The brand has Mazda 2 and CX-3 as other options in the entry-level segment.

The new Mazda 3 will be available with two different engine options. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine makes 153 hp power and 200 Nm torque. The 2.5-litre unit, on the other hand, makes 186 hp power and 252 Nm of torque. The car will have the advanced SkyActiv-X powertrain soon.

Mazda has included a lot of equipment in the new car to compensate for the price hike. The base model comes with a seven-inch color digital instrument panel along with an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The car rides on 17-inch wheels.

Speaking of the safety features, the Mazda 3 has the autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring system, active cruise control, traffic sign recognition and rear cross traffic alert. The brakes can sense a possible collision thanks to the camera-based driver fatigue monitoring, front parking sensors, front cross traffic alert and rear cross traffic alert.

The G20 Evolve will be equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and dual-zone climate control. The top-spec models have leather seats with memory function and a smart key. The 2.5-litre G25 GT model is equipped with heated seats and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

The top-spec model, G25 Astina will now have adaptive LED headlights, 360-degree camera, leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels. It has a price tag of AUD$36,990 (RM 107k).