2019 Mazda3: price, specs and release date

The new Mazda3 hatchback has been unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show. The new car is set to take on the new Ford Focus, Kia Ceed and the Volkswagen Golf when it arrives on sale in the UK in summer 2019. Prices are yet to be announced, but we expect the new 3 to start at around £18,500.

The latest Mazda3 takes its inspiration from Mazda’s KAI concept, which first appeared at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Much of the concept’s sophisticated style has made it to production; the new 3 gets a thorough redesign with a bold side profile, large front grille, and new front and rear lights. The result is a more upmarket and sporty look than before. The Mazda3 Saloon has also been included in the redesign.

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The Mazda3 is slightly shorter than the outgoing model, but still longer than the Volkswagen Golf. Despite the reduction in overall length, the new car boasts a longer wheelbase, meaning interior space is improved.

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The Mazda3 has received a similarly upmarket refresh to its interior. There’s a minimalist approach on display, with a focus on attractive materials and a driver-centric layout. There’s a also a new 8.8-inch infotainment screen that’s controlled by a rotary switch by the gearknob. The front seats and steering wheel are more adjustable than they are in the outgoing model.

2019 Mazda3 engines and technology

The 2019 Mazda3 will be powered by a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The petrol options are 1.5 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder units, while the diesel is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that uses new injection technology to reduce noise and give smoother performance.

A new ‘SkyActiv-X’ engine is expected to join the range at a later date. Thanks to technology usually found in diesel engines, the supercharged petrol engine promises improved economy and performance.

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Mazda will be offering the 3 with four-wheel drive for some markets, but it’s not yet clear if it will be available as an option in the UK.

There’s a host of new active safety and semi-autonomous features on the new Mazda3, including a traffic jam assistant that can control acceleration, braking and steering in congested traffic. There’s also a driver monitoring system that uses cameras to watch for signs of fatigue.