General introduction

After being launched in some markets in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and the Philippines, the all-new Mazda3 has also appeared in Vietnam, expected to be introduced early next year. While waiting for the official launch, we will have a quick review of the new generation of best-selling sedan of this segment.

Entering a new generation with improvements in design, technology and engine, the C-segment model is the most practical evidence that the leading engineers of the Japanese automaker always know what their customers want. .

Design

Compared to the old generation, the Mazda3 2020 has a more polished and elaborate design. The front of the car impresses with the black chrome diamond grille, giving it a more luxurious and sturdier look. Vehicles equipped with LED headlights are designed specifically with the lens inside, bringing a sharper, sportier and more powerful look.

According to the engineers, the new generation Mazda3 is built on the basis of the new SkyActiv-Vehicle chassis, which is lighter in weight and safer than the older generation. The suspension on the car has also been tweaked, for better handling, quieter operation.

The vehicle has overall dimensions (length x width x height) respectively 4,662 x 1,797 x 1,445 (mm). Compared to the previous generation, the Mazda 3 2019 is marginally more than 82 mm in length, 2mm in width and 5mm in height. Meanwhile, the wheelbase reaches 2,725 mm, which is also slightly more than 25mm compared to the 3rd generation.

The slightly longer wheelbase has widened the passenger space. The rear seat is more spacious, though not significant, but it is somewhat comfortable and comfortable because the knees of the passengers sitting here no longer have to touch the back of the front seats as on the old version anymore.

The design of the interior space on the new version is directed to a minimalistic but luxurious and modern layout. Vehicles fitted with 8.8 inch screen as standard on all versions, accompanied by MZD Connect system and 360-degree camera.

If previously, the user could adjust this screen by touch or central control cluster, now, this operation can only be done in the second way because the position of the screen has been adjusted backwards. driver seat. This detail may be annoying to customers, but according to the engineers, this is a layout that helps ensure more safety when driving.

It can be said that the minimalist style is also a plus point for this C-class car when making it easier for the driver to get used to it, each feature is annotated specifically in both words and images.

Everything is clearly arranged, coherent but feels like you’re on a luxury car instead of the economy class. Especially when the design of the air-conditioning control system / heater looks quite similar to the way on Audi, while the steering wheel feels like BMW. In addition, the audio control knob located near the entertainment interface pushes to the right or left and the music player will automatically change the previous / next song in the list similar to the feature that has appeared in Audi cars.

The car audio system as standard includes 6 speakers with good music quality. In addition, if desired, customers can agree with the option of 10 more luxurious Bose speakers. With both options, the car does not attach a mid-range speaker on the door, but hidden under the dashboard, under column A and in front of the front door. With this change, the car door will no longer be shaken or shaken when the user plays the music at full volume.

Engine

At the moment, details about the engine versions and options for the Vietnamese market have not been disclosed. However, the latest version of SkyActiv-X engine will not be available, because this engine is only compatible with Euro6 fuel.

Similar to other Southeast Asian markets, the version for Vietnam is likely to have two engine options, including the 1.5L type, for a capacity of 109 hp at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 146 Nm at 3,500 rpm; and 2.0L engine for 151 hp at 6000 rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The minus point in the engine section on the Mazda3 is that there is still no powerful turbocharger as on rivals Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra …

Safe

The list of standard safety features on the new generation for the Philippine market is quite attractive with a range of airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake force distribution (EBD) and electric brake assist. (BA), traction control (TCS) and electronic stability (ESP), tire pressure monitoring alerts, reversing camera, parking sensors and engine anti-vibration.

On the high-end versions there are additional features such as lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, intelligent brake assist, blind spot warning and vehicle cross-traffic alert when reversing available on variables. to be more advanced.

Price information and versions in Vietnam are not yet available. However, the new generation is being distributed in the Philippines market with 5 versions and price as follows:

– Price of Mazda 3 Sedan Elite 1.5L – 1,295,000 Php (about 717 million VND)

– Price of Mazda 3 Sportback 1.5LA – Php 1,320,000 (about 731 million VND)

– Price of Mazda 3 Premium version 2.0LA – Php 1,495,000 (about VND 828 million).

– Price of Mazda 3 Sportback Elite 2.0L – 1,510,000 Php (about 836 million VND)

– Price of Mazda 3 Speed ​​2.0LA – Php 1,590,000 (about VND 881 million).

In Vietnam, the current Mazda3 is being distributed in 3 versions including hatchback and sedan with prices ranging from 669 to 750 million VND. At the end of the first 6 months of 2019, Mazda3 reached the top 10 best-selling cars in the Vietnamese market with sales of 7,401 units (an increase of 719 vehicles compared to the same period last year). This is also the car holding the No. 1 position in the segment of sedan and hatchback class C today.