The fourth-generation Mazda 3 was launched in Malaysia on 17 July 2019 in three variants (1.5, 2.0 High and 2.0 High Plus) and two body styles. In total there are five offerings, with the 2.0 High only available for the sedan. This generation takes over from its predecessor introduced locally in 2014 and was facelifted in 2017. The latest models are built more premium than the previous and command a higher price. As of 2020, prices are RM141,828.31 (1.5 Hatch & Sedan), RM149,520.53 (2.0 Sedan High), RM159,356.13 (2.0 Hatch & Sedan High Plus).

Dimensions for Length, Width, Height in (mm) are 4,460 x 1,795 x 1,435 for the hatchback and 4,660 x 1,795 x 1,440 for the sedan. Wheelbase is 2,725 mm on both.

The design of the new Mazda 3 is a further evolution of the signature Kodo style which has been done to express a new form of elegance. At the front, the overall design has been made sleeker, and at the front, slight lower bumper designs distinguish the sedan and hatchback. 

The development team took to designing both the sedan and hatchback with its own appeal, resulting in quite distinctly separate looks.

Headlamps on all variants are LED units, with the High Plus variants sporting adaptive LEDs with front signature illumination.

Tail lamps on all variants are LED units, and standard across the range are rear fog lamps.

The wing mirrors on all variants are power-adjustable, retractable, auto fold and have turn indicators.

All variants have front ventilated disc and rear solid disc brakes.

There are two alloy rims with similar designs, 16-inch units on the 1.5 and 2.0 High variants, and 18-inch units on the 2.0 High Plus variants.

The dashboard design is much more refined in styling than its predecessor. Starting with the cockpit, the design now is laid out in perfect horizontal symmetry with the driver in the centre. The layout is still very much intuitive and familiar.

The central housing panel has been simplified to give the interior a classy feel. Now the central infotainment unit is placed further back into the dashboard. The rest is just the climate control, gear lever and infotainment control wheel. The 8.8-inch infotainment display that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the variants.

All variants come with a 7-inch TFT colour multi-information display that shows important vehicle information and is joined with an active driving display (heads-up display).

Upholstery on the 1.5 variants is fabric, while the 2.0 High and High Plus comes with leather seats. The 2.0 variants also get position memory and 10-way power adjustment driver seats. The rear seats are 60:40 split-fold. 

There are plenty of storage spaces including the centre cup holders, glove box and indentations as well as door bins.

All variants come with audio, driver information display and Bluetooth hands-free on the steering wheel. 

There are two primary cupholders on the front centre console.

There are two USB type A ports for charging. One is located at the front and another in the centre armrest alongside a 12V power socket.

Mazda has improved the sound insulation over the predecessor and has exemplary cabin quietness. 

At 444 litres for the sedan and 295 litres for the hatchback, the new Mazda 3 has a good-sized boot. It opens up to additional space via the 60:40 split-folding seats.

Only the 2.0 High Plus variants come equipped with i-Activsense, Mazda’s suite of advanced safety technologies. This includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support (Autonomous Emergency Braking) and Radar Cruise Control.

Passive safety includes 7 SRS airbags (dual front, driver’s knee, front side and curtain), and Isofix with anchor points and top tethers.

In terms of equipment, the 8.8-inch infotainment display is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is standard across all variants.

Driver assistance includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Radar Cruise Control and is only available on the 2.0 High Plus variants.

There are 8 speakers as standard for all variants.

The 1.5 models are powered by a petrol Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC engine with VVT that outputs 118 hp and 153 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.0-litre models are powered by a petrol 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC engine with VVT that outputs 162 hp and 213 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. 

All variants are mated to a Skyactiv Drive 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode.

All variants are Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

G-Vectoring Control (GVC) Plus is standard across the line-up. GVC Plus is a step up that uses the brakes to add direct yaw moment control for further enhanced handling stability from GVC that varies engine torque in response to steering inputs. In practice, the light braking is done to the outer wheels when the driver accelerates out of a corner.

Ride comfort is certainly better than before. Handling is exceptional for the C-segment vehicle, yet can be sporty on more technical roads.

Thanks to improved sound insulation around the engine compartment and body panels, the new Mazda 3 has great cabin quietness.