A little while ago, thousands of Mazda 3s were sold every year here in New Zealand. The old models were affordable, practical and reliable, which made them a favourite for everyday driving.

For the 2019 model of the Mazda 3, the Japanese carmaker has come up with something completely different. The new model’s design has been radically improved, it’s affordable, its interior is luxurious and it’s faster and more aggressive than any model before.

When it’s released in mid-May here in New Zealand, these impressive traits could make it the country’s most popular small car in 2019 and beyond.

Radical redesign

The Mazda 3 Hatch has always been a brilliant car, but the older models have never been accused of being beautiful, sexy or exciting. The 2019 Mazda 3, on the other hand, has already been called all those words and more by several leading automotive publications, and we tend to agree.

The engineers at Mazda have created a sleek and elegant silhouette that benefits from a unique minimalist design. This might just be the most sophisticated design Mazda has ever released.

Impressive technology as standard

Another change that the Japanese carmaker has made with this new model is to include more technology on standard models of the car. That means even the base model comes with:

• Intelligent speed assistance.
• Blind-spot monitoring.
• Traffic sign recognition.
• Lane keep assist.
• Lane departure warning.
• Driver attention alert.
• Radar cruise control.
• Widescreen LCD infotainment system.
• Reverse camera.
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
• Tyre pressure monitoring.

This is a huge departure from past Mazda’s strategy with past models, which also offered low-spec models with very few of these features.

Regardless of which Mazda 3 you buy, you’re guaranteed a comfortable, safe and easy driving experience.

Class-leading driving experience

Early reports say that despite how impressive the car’s technology and design are, its improved driving ability is its most impressive improvement.

The changes are subtle but make a huge difference for everyday drivers. The range is blessed with two generous engine options including a 2.0-litre (114kW/200Nm) and a 2.5-litre option (139kW/252Nm) and manual transmission as standard.

These generous powerplants can barely be heard in the cabin thanks to reduced vibration and road noise technology, along with an advanced suspension system. This is a driver’s car that’s comfortable and luxurious enough for everyday commuting.

To find out more about the Mazda 3, released mid-May in New Zealand, drop into your nearest Nicholson Auto Dealership or give us a call today.