2019 Mazda3

[Jumpy]

Did you all see the Mazda press conference tonight? What do you think of the new Mazda3 hatchback and sedan?

https://www.mazdausa.com/new-era

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-mazda-3-doesnt-let-the-enthusiasts-down-1830690640

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-sh...322746/2019-mazda3-new-car-photos-specs-info/

Highlights:

All-wheel drive available
Five engine choices: Skyactiv-G (1.5, 2.0, 2.5), Skyactiv-D (1.8), or Skyactiv-X
*Probably only the G 2.5 and the X for North America
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
New color Polymetal Gray (hatchback only)
Red interior option (hatchback only)
Black wheel option
Semi-autonomous cruise control

 

[vj123]

Mazda 3 has been a great platform. This one (especially with the new design language) is a great alternate to the regular Golfs.

 

[Hoon]

Always been a Mazda fan.

They've had a few duds, but for the most part they're a fun alternative to Honda/Toyota and they're doing some interesting engineering.

 

[CaptainRatty]

I had a 2015 Mazda 3 before my GTI. Great car for what it was, but I wish it had the same turbo engine as the CX-9 as an option.

 

[Jumpy]

They should definitely bring back the MazdaSpeed3 to be a GTI competitor!

 

[Sparky589]

According to car and driver Mazda has ditched independent rear suspension for a torsion-beam on the new 3. Shame about that really, they almost had the perfect compact.

Still I'm holding out hope for a new speed 3 with independent rear and their turbo 2.5

 

[bcgti]

I agree the torsion-beam is a bummer but look at the Fiesta ST and Mazda 2 - everyone seems to praise the handling on those cars. If done right it might not be that bad.

And yes - bring back the Speed 3!

 

[cldlhd]

I like the way it looks but the upswept rear door and the sloping roof seems like it would be a lot more claustrophobic in the back. The squared off roof line and bigger glass of the Golf gives better visibility and an airier feeling IMO.

 

[Rogues Gambit]

According to car and driver Mazda has ditched independent rear suspension for a torsion-beam on the new 3. Shame about that really, they almost had the perfect compact.

Still I'm holding out hope for a new speed 3 with independent rear and their turbo 2.5

Think I heard aboot it on Savage Geese, since customers wanted a "Nice, quiet ride" or something along the lines so they said fuck it and made the rear a live axle

Would love to see a new MS3 and the R fighter be called the MazdaSuperSpeed3, that'd be awesome

 

[southpawboston]

Thank God they kept round exhaust tips, and separate from the bumper.

I'm disgusted with all the car makers suddenly ditching the classic tip for the squared-off ports integrated in the bumper.

 

[murph3699]

I love Mazda. Drove a Mazda3 and a Speed6 prior to my GTI. If they continued to make Mazdaspeeds I may have gone that route

 

[Golfs everyday]

That hatchback brings back memories of the 70's S10's I saw back in the day.. (Nissan Silvia).

 

[southpawboston]

That hatchback brings back memories of the 70's S10's I saw back in the day.. (Nissan Silvia).

I can see that.

 

[JC_451]

I like the way it looks but the upswept rear door and the sloping roof seems like it would be a lot more claustrophobic in the back. The squared off roof line and bigger glass of the Golf gives better visibility and an airier feeling IMO.

Definitely.

The C pillar is HUGE on this car(new Mazda3). It's a full size SUV width pillar on a hatchback.

It's certainly pretty in certain respects but the rear end in profile does not look great.

 

[Golfs everyday]

Yes, that was the same (similar) issue with the S10 Silvia's in the 70's. It's a love or hate thing.