2019 Mazda 3 - Speculations suggest the hatch will arrive soon

KUALA LUMPUR: For a while now the Japanese automaker Mazda is busy reviving its on sale beauties. Keeping the lineup fresh, the company is said to be working on the next-generation Mazda 3. Though the automaker has not yet confirmed the news, strong words are going around the internet. If all works out fine, then hopefully at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show we’ll see the all-new Mazda 3 gracing the centre stage.

The 2019 Mazda 3 will be nothing like the ongoing model, both in the sense of style and performance. The Volkswagen Golf rivalling model 3 in its new avatar will showcase a more upscale look, thus enabling to go against premium offerings like Mercedes A-Class, and Audi A3.

Making the shift possible is the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show displayed KAI concept, that is said to be the inspiration behind the new Mazda 3 design language. Kevin Rice, Mazda Europe Design Director in an interview hinted towards the concept and model 3 connection. He said “We have a recent history of not just producing concepts for concepts’ sake. So yes, manufacturing tolerances and techniques have been incorporated into this project since the very beginning.”

Taking clues from the KAI concept, we are expecting to see aggressive design inclusions like a large grille probably hexagonal shaped, upswept headlights, L-shaped taillights, rakish windshield, integrated tailgate spoiler, and diffuser. What, however, we are sure about is the underpinning of Mazda’s SkyActiv Vehicle Architecture. This new platform is said to target refinement and will support low and sporty seating position.

On the mechanical front, Mazda is keeping all its hopes from a new petrol mill, called SkyActiv-X. This engine is said to feature Spark Controlled Compression Ignition system which allows the unit to operate in two different states. While the conventional petrol unit combustion style is retained, the ‘X’ can seamlessly switch to diesel engine compression ignition (using spark plugs for consistent combustion).

The company claims that the new SkyActiv-X is potent to deliver petrol like performance along with the diesel unit equivalent economy. As for its production specs, Mazda will develop a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X engine producing a maximum power of 190 PS and peak torque of 230 Nm. Along with the new ‘X’ unit, the 2019 Mazda 3 lineup would include an entry-level SkyActiv-D diesel and SkyActiv-G petrol engines.

With the 2018 LA Motor Show scheduled for November, we are hoping to hear more about the all-new Mazda 3 in the coming months.