After its global unveiling last November, the all-new, fourth generation Mazda 3 has finally made it to the ASEAN region, offering the signature sporty driving dynamics that Mazda has always been known for, whilst providing a much more premium experience than ever before. This time, however, only the sedan made its ASEAN debut.
Starting with the looks, the Mazda 3 is an evolution of its predecessor’s gorgeous lines and curves. The sedan’s roofline has also been lowered, giving it a more flowing shape compared to its predecessor. Whereas the hatchback is basically the production version of the Kai Concept, the sedan fuses elements from Kai and Vision Coupe Concept. The long hood give it a proportion reminiscent of a rear-wheel drive sports sedan. New, sportier lighting elements highlight the rear, featuring twin circle designs that cast a menacing glow at night, while the front fascia features a prominent grille with chrome wings that flow towards the slimmer LED headlights. Designers have gone through a minimalist “less is more” approach, reducing the number of lines and creases for this iteration of the Mazda 3.
Underneath the gorgeous and sleek lines of the Mazda 3 is the brand’s new SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture, promising greater driving dynamics and ride comfort thanks to a stiffer body than the model it replaces.
The interior of the Mazda 3 is made even more premium, thanks to the use of more premium materials and surfaces. There’s plenty of premium materials running across the dashboard, as well as throughout the center console, possibly making this car’s interior the most premium in its segment. A horizontal satin chrome finish runs along the dashboard, from the vents, all the way to the climate control display, which is neatly integrated along the dashboard. As ever, the MZD Connect infotainment system takes center stage, featuring a revised user interface, which now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. This is controlled through the touch screen or the rotary knob controller behind the gear shifter.
The model displayed at the Singapore Motor Show utilizes the same 2.0-liter inline-4 SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, a carry-over from the previous generation. The high compression ratio petrol engine produces 153 hp and 200 Nm of torque. Power is sent through the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The US-market Mazda 3s have a manual as an option.
Now that the Mazda 3 has made its regional preview here in Singapore, it’s only a matter of months before the Mazda 3 gets revealed in our market. Whether we will receive the revolutionary SKYACTIV-X remains to be seen.
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