All-new 2019 Mazda3 makes surprise Philippine reveal

If you love surprises, you’ll definitely love this one. Mazda Philippines has just revealed the all-new, 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback and Sedan. Yes, it’s the SkyActiv-X-bearing Mazda3 and it’s already here in the country.

Just a quick recap, Mazda premiered the fourth-generation Mazda3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show towards the end of 2018. It came out with what Mazda calls “less is more” Kodo design while featuring the all-new SkyActiv-X engine. Unlike the usual trend, the hatchback and sedan versions of the car are unique from each other – not just the common copy-paste exterior styling.

Seeing the Mazda3 in metal for the first time is like back-reading prior reports. It features a well-executed exterior design backed by Mazda’s improved Kodo design language. The sharper, narrower headlights give this new-generation model a seductive appeal.

Speaking of “less is more,” you’ll notice that the 2019 Mazda3 doesn’t have fog lamps and the overall design has less chromes. The simpler design approach makes the car look more premium, which is in line with the recent reports about Mazda trying to compete with luxury brands.

Inside, a clean dashboard design greets with finesse. The main entertainment unit sticks out almost seamlessly on the center console. Not only that, the entire cabin of the Mazda3 Hatchback seeks attention with the black and red-orange leather combination – which we think is effective. The sedan, however, dons a cleaner dark look.

New driver-assistive features should also debut in the ‘3’. Global-spec Mazda3 units have Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) system that employs traffic jam assist – a semi-autonomous driving feature.

Globally, the 2019 Mazda3 was unveiled with five engines, which are 1.5-, 2.0, and 2.5-liter versions of the SkyActiv-G, the 1.8-liter SkyActiv-D, and the latest SkyActiv-X. If you weren’t able to catch our previous article about the new Mazda engine, it’s a newly developed technology that takes out the need for spark plugs. It features what Mazda calls Spark Controlled Compression Ignition.

The all-new SkyActiv-X engine burns the fuel by compressing gasoline and air in the combustion chamber. Now, the idea might sound familiar to you because fuel and air compression in the chamber is a known characteristic of diesel engines. Basically, SkyActiv-X is the combination of gasoline and diesel engine performances.

However, as striking as the 2019 Mazda3 may look, Mazda Philippines remains mum about its price tag and specs until it fully arrives. Moreover, no confirmation if the local-spec Mazda3 lineup will carry the new SkyActiv-X engine. For now, it’s just here to tease our eyes. We’ll update you once specs and prices come out.