This is the new-generation Mazda3

Mazda3 Sedan

THE fourth generation of the Mazda3 is now in the Philippines, available in five variants. The Elite range of the four-door Sedan and five-door Sportback come with the fuel-efficient 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine while the Premium trims feature the more powerful 2.0-liter engine, along with additional safety and comfort features.

Mazda3 Sportback

“We are proud to finally introduce the all-new Mazda3 to the Philippine market,” said Steven Tan, president and CEO of Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), the local Mazda distributor. “Mazda has raised the standards of quality, craftsmanship and safety to never-before experienced levels in this class. Through exquisite design, superior finish, refined quietness and engaging vehicle dynamics, owners of the all-new Mazda3 will surely experience class-above driving pleasure.”

BAP prices the new 3 at:

• 5-liter Elite Sedan: P1.295 million
• 5-liter Elite Sportback: P1.320 million
• 0-liter Premium Sedan: P1.495 million
• 0-liter Premium Sportback: P1.510 million
• 0-liter Mazda3Speed Sportback: P1.590 million

The 3 is the first model by Mazda to feature the brand’s evolved Kodo design language first introduced in the RX-Vision concept car at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. The theme of development for the new 3 was to make it “an object of universal desire.” A “less is more” Japanese minimalist aesthetic was adopted in the design of the 3.

This newfound philosophy was further echoed by the Vision Coupe, Mazda’s award-winning concept car unveiled in the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Without the usual character lines that defined traditional car designs, a cleaner more sophisticated presence was achieved.

To strengthen the connection between car and driver, every aspect of the cockpit is consistent with the exterior design direction. The goal for the interiors of the 3 was simplicity throughout based on the aesthetics of “less is more.” By removing visual noise, a cleaner cabin was realized without the loss of functionality.

Cabin of new Mazda3 is lined with premium features.

Soft-to-the-touch surfaces abound with Mazda’s own grain designed to express the richness and warmth of genuine leather. And exclusive in the 2.0-liter Sportback is the newly developed burgundy interior color.

A seven-inch TFT LCD multimeter display is used in the 3 to show a simplified layout of vehicle status information. The Mazda Connect infotainment system has been redesigned; it now has a wider 8.8-inch display that has a simplified graphic user interface. Operating the system is via the intuitive Command and Controller knob and switch.

A 12-speaker Bose Audio Premium Sound System is available in Premium variants. The system has a center speaker, subwoofer and satellite speakers.

The new 3’s engine options are the 151hp 2.0-liter and the 109hp 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder gasoline engines. Both are engineered to provide smooth and efficient power delivery and are the most technologically advanced naturally aspirated engines available in its class.

“This is a bold new step for Mazda as we deliver on our promise to give our loyal customers the true premium driving experience they deserve,” Tan said.

More than 19,000 3 units have been sold in the Philippines since its 2004 introduction into the country.