Introduced after a short teaser campaign and only a single spy shot sighting earlier this month, the new 3 replaces the still Ford-based third generation model that debuted five years ago, with Mazda describing it’s unveiling as the “dawn of a new era”.
Debuting what the Hiroshima-based automaker describes as the next step in evolution of its Kodo design language, the hatch, as indicated by the mentioned teasers, takes more than the few exterior hints from the Kai concept, while the sedan is heavily influenced by the Vision Coupe concept, both having premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.
Riding on a platform that measures 4 459mm in hatch guise and 4 662mm in the case of the sedan, both retain a wheelbase of 2 725mm and width of 1 797mm, while the respective heights are 1 445mm and 1 440mm, making the new Three longer but lower and less wider than before.
In addition to the new exterior, which Mazda describes as “powerful and seductive” when mentioning the hatch and “clean, sleek and sophisticated beauty” in the case of the sedan, the interior rates as the biggest departure from the outgoing model, with a minimalist look again derived from the Kai.
Based on the principle of “less is more” with the aim of “creating a human-centric” feel, the flowing dash design houses a new 8.8-inch MZD Connect infotainment system and equally novel analogue instrument cluster dubbed Active Driving Display. Also retained is the retro-styled three-spoke steering wheel.
Boasting a more simplified climate control display, redesigned centre console, telescopic steering wheel that gains 10mm of movement and a higher positioned gear lever, the 3 will go on sale with a choice of three fabric options; black, Greige (a combination of grey and beige) and the hatch exclusive burgundy. Higher spec versions will also benefit from a 12-speaker Bose sound system, with the standard setup consisting of eight-speakers.
Now underpinned by Mazda’s SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture, which is claimed to be more rigid than the old B-platform, the new 3 also debuts the so-called "two-wall" structure that leaves a space between the actual body and carpets, while simulating the various aspects of sound-deadening materials to cut down on the prevailing noise, voice and harshness levels inside.
Safety-wise, the 3 comes fitted with the next generation i-Activsense range of technologies, consisting of a new Driver Monitoring system, introduction of a driver’s knee airbag, Smart Brake Support, Cruising & Traffic Support and Front Cross Traffic Alert.
With its new platform, the 3’s range of SkyActiv-G petrol engines have been carried over albeit revised, with displacements of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5-litres, all normally aspirated, while the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D motor makes way for the smaller 1.8 that debuted earlier this year on the Japanese spec CX-3. No power or torque figures were released. The innovative SkyActiv-X motor has also been confirmed, but will only debut at a later stage.
While the choice of transmissions is made-up of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic as before, the 3 will offer the option of all-wheel drive for the first time, in the form of Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, which works in conjunction with the G-Vectoring Control Plus system that first premiered in the CX-5.
Going into production later this year, sales of the all-new 3 will commence in early-2019 with local details only expected closer to the final model roll-out.
