all new BP Mazda 3 is a sexy looking small car, even think the Sedan looks better than the Hatch.
I hope this sells well as this is a huge gamble when sedans are not selling..

https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/mazda/3/8fa82b

https://www.northernstar.com.au/news...hatch/3735168/

 

Around where I live, I see a lot of 3s. And Civics. And Corollas.

Point is, compact Sedans are doing okay. It's the mid-size Sedans that are having trouble as more potential buyers of that segment shift towards SUVs, so you should be worrying about the 6, not the 3.

I just hope the Skyactiv-X holds up over time.

Oh, and the rear of the 3 has some elements from the RX-Vision/Vision Coupe, mainly the taillights, and damn they look good.

 

Mazda 3 sales are down 38% worldwide grasshopper, including USA.

 

Simpler suspension (torsion beam rearward) , but not 3 cylinder engines (i'm European, here are selling a lot of this kind of crappy engines), not bad....

 

I don't understand the appeal of compact and subcompact sedans. I mean, they never look quite... right. Also, if you're going with something that small, wouldn't you want the added utility of a hatch or wagon?

I will say that the new 3 looks good overall (even if I'm getting some Chrysler Crossfire vibes from certain angles).

 

Unless I'm mistaken, there's a hatchback in the video.
The Crossfire looked like the front & back of 2 different cars slapped together, this is a bit more seamless, imo.
The availability of a stick and AWD has me seriously thinking about it, but I have a feeling those will be in a premium package and be +$30k.

 

Looking up the figures, it looks more like a Mazda problem rather than a problem with the segment. Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla sales aren't dipping that badly, not 38% anyway.

 

drool - lease offer in 2.5T and the manual transmission option (and white) and I'm in line!

 

It would be nice to see these sitting next to 2018 models for a better comparison.

 

I haven't actually seen any outlets reporting AWD being available with a stick shift. I'd be really surprised if Mazda made that combo available.

 

How about a crazy idea: RWD with the 2.5T and MT

 

A Mazda 6 with RWD is rumoured to arrive after 2025.

With the whole luxury direction they are taking, I would be surprised if manual trans is an option.

You could get an Ecoboost Mustang. 2.3T, RWD and manual trans option. Just don't hold your breath when it comes to fits and finishes.

 

I mean, if they can put a drive shaft, rear pumpkin, and rear axles into a 3/CX-5/CX-3 they can set it up for RWD.
A transverse engine/gearbox in the front to RWD would be a little weird but why let that get in the way of our fantasy.

 

From what I've seen, there isn't a lot of detailed info being let out.
They do say AWD and MT will be available, but I haven't seen specific mention of them being packaged together.

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-mazda-...own-1830690640

 

Car & Driver quotes Mazda as saying AWD with MT is "possible".
New SkyactivX engine won't be available until later next year.

 

Amazing looking car inside and out given its class competition. Still undecided about the hatch's C-pillar though, granted visible (or lack thereof) won't be an issue with driver nannies...

ASH, any inside scoop on the infotainment? I'm hoping Mazda replaced its far outdated current gen system.

Hopefully this further shoe horns the idea of Mazda shooting for the niche market between economy and entry level luxury.

 

I dunno, the Johnson Controls MazdaConnect unit isn't so bad after you do the CarPlay/Android Auto upgrade. It helps that almost all of my automotive infotainment comes through my phone.

 

I agree - the CarPlay/Android Auto was a much needed add-on which also came very late in the game. The system is still slow to respond and scrolling through the menus tend to be less intuitive than most. With the release of a new "Generation", it's an opportunity to be up to speed on all fronts.

 

Mazda/MZD Connect II is all new and yes it still comes with a new Navigation Card (different Part Number), so I don't know yet if it is HERE/NNG or someone-else..
Frankly why have any Navi SD Card/hardware??, most people will use CP/AA with phone.

 

ok,

i love me some mazda rwd. and love/hate my rx8 that is in timeout right now.. but here is the deal..

i had a 2010 mazdaspeed3. it was ok. meh. then i got a gti in 2012, then another in 1015, still have an rx8. then while rx8 was not in timeout. i got a third gti.. 2017

the gti is the hatch benchmark.


here is a clue. this car has a rear sway bar. front brake pads. and 200tw tires. other than that it is stock..


beers

 

I'd get a GTI but I told my wife to shoot me if I ever bought another VW product...

 

No German cars for me, unless I come across an old classic '70s BMW or Mercedes some old lady is selling that's too hard to pass up.
I did like some of those.

 

sonic posted this earlier.
I no longer want a hatchback, and I don't want a compact sedan.

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-mazda-...-as-1830754940

 

Drive fast enough and it won't matter what's behind you.

 

That only applies in movies.