The fourth-generation Mazda 3 has made its debut on Australian roads, continuing the legacy of a small car that has sold nearly 600,000 units since 2003. With SUVs dominating the market, Mazda has decided to take the Mazda 3 upmarket, increasing entry-level pricing by as much as $4,500. However, this price hike is justified by the additional features that now come standard even at the entry-level, such as an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display, radar cruise control, rear parking sensors and camera, head-up display, seven airbags, and active lane keep assist.
Although there is no significant update to engines or transmissions, nor an increase in rear-seat room, the new Mazda 3 excels in presentation and ease of use of controls. The simple dashboard and button array make for a user-friendly experience. Mazda has made extensive efforts to quieten the cabin, resulting in reduced tire roar on coarse chip roads.
The ride quality maintains a touch of traditional Mazda firmness, but it copes well with most impacts. The Mazda 3 still steers and handles with litheness and enthusiasm, despite the shift back from a multi-link to a cheaper torsion beam rear-end. However, the 2.5-litre engine lacks pulling power compared to turbocharged and hybrid engines offered by rivals. The 2.0-litre version faces even more of a challenge in this regard.
The price hike may be the headline, but the increased quality and refinement of the 2019 Mazda 3 G25 Astina make it a rewarding driving experience.
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