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2019 Mazda3 Teaser Video Shows Hatchback Body Style, Looks Ready For Production

Known as the Axela in Japan, the third generation of the Mazda3 came to be in 2013 for the 2014 model year. But next month, the compact-sized hatchback will start anew with redesigned everything.
2019 Mazda3 13 photos
Photo: screenshot from YouTube
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The teaser clip titled “A New Era Begins” showcases the 2019 Mazda3 in Soul Red Crystal, the color that symbolizes the Kodo – Soul of Motion design language. The paint and LED taillights contrast like a charm with the chrome window surround and black trim, and if you look closely, the cab-rearward styling is even more obvious thanks to the elongated hood.

Taking inspiration from the KAI Concept from the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mazda3 will also be available as a sedan in markets that include the United States of America. Expected to go official in the flesh towards the end of November at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, the newcomer is all new from the ground up. Literally.

The Kodo Design 2 styling wraps the SkyActiv-Body Gen 2 and SkyActiv-Chassis Gen 2. Under the skin, the next generation of Mazda Connect is also featured, along with the strongest point of the vehicle. Known as SkyActiv-X, the four-cylinder engine combines spark- and compression-ignition technologies, delivering up to 30 percent more torque and fuel economy compared to the SkyActiv-G that displaces 2.0 liters.

Expected to develop 190 horsepower, the SkyActiv-X uses the supercharger to keep the exterior pressure right for the compression ignition to happen. Mazda isn’t calling the engine HCCI but SPCCI, translating to spark-controlled compression ignition. In other words, spark ignition serves as the catalyst for compression ignition, with the fireball acting as an air piston to compress the lean fuel in the cylinder.

With 230 Nm (170 pound-feet) on tap, it’s also torquier than the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G in the outgoing model. The SkyActiv-X is also designed to work its magic at low rpm, partly thanks to the mild-/micro-hybrid technology. And of course, customers will be able to choose six speeds and a three-pedal setup or an automatic transmission.

For the sake of future reference, the 2018 Mazda3 for the U.S. starts at $18,095 for the sedan and $19,345 for the five-door hatchback.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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