2019 Mazda 3 Malaysia launch in July – hatchback and sedan, 1.5L and 2.0L engines, est price from RM137k

The fourth-generation Mazda 3 was officially revealed back in November 2018, and is set to make its local debut in Malaysia later in mid-July this year. This was revealed to us during the sneak preview of the model, which recently concluded in Japan.

Both the sedan and hatchback versions of the all-new Mazda 3 will be offered (in fully-imported CBU form at this initial point) with estimated pricing said to start from RM137,000 – official distributor Bermaz is now accepting bookings for the model.

In terms of engines, only two from the SkyActiv-G petrol range will be offered, with the first being a 2.0 litre unit that develops 162 hp and 210 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the option for base variants will be a 1.5 litre powerplant with 114 hp and 150 Nm, and SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission will be standard for both.

If you’re looking forward to the SkyActiv-X engine with Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) technology, sadly that’s being given a miss for our market. The mill features compression ignition typically found in diesel engines, with supplementary systems to provide a fuel efficiency equivalent or even exceeding the company’s SkyActiv-D 1.5 litre diesel engine.

No exact details about the available equipment will be provided, but we were told that a total of five variants will be offered. We’ll only know precisely which variant gets what on launch day.

The new Mazda 3 is the first in Mazda next-generation product line-up, and showcases a brand new SkyActiv-Architecture platform that sees changes to its dimensions.

The hatchback now measures 4,459 mm long (-1 mm compared to its predecessor), 1,797 mm wide (+2 mm) and 1,440 mm tall (-10 mm). The sedan on the other hand, is 4,662 mm long (+82 mm), 1,797 mm wide (+2 mm) and 1,445 mm tall (+5 mm). Both also have a longer wheelbase at 2,725 mm (+25 mm).

Design-wise, the second-generation Kodo design philosophy sees a “less is more” approach when it comes to styling, including both the exterior and interior. In the case of the former, the hatchback is made to look more dynamic compared to the sedan, although both share an identical interior that reduces “visual noise.”

Are you excited about the arrival of the new Mazda 3? Will you prefer it to competitors in the form of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis? Let us know in the comments below. We’ll have a more detailed post on the Mazda 3 coming up soon. Stay tuned.

GALLERY: 2019 Mazda 3

The post 2019 Mazda 3 Malaysia launch in July – hatchback and sedan, 1.5L and 2.0L engines, est price from RM137k appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

from Paul Tan's Automotive News
Read The Rest:paultan...