Despite the fact that trucks, SUVs and crossovers put a serious hurt on the sales of traditional sedans and compact cars in the US market, some automakers are still fully committed to selling smaller cars in the US, and Mazda is one of them. This week at the LA Auto Show, Mazda has shown the redesigned Mazda3—one of its bread and butter products not just in the USA but across the world.
The current Mazda3 was already considered to be one of the sportiest and most stylish cars in the segment and the new one is looking to keep that spirit going.
Available in two body styles, the new Mazda3 hatchback is essentially a production version of the handsome Kai Concept from last year, while the sedan looks like a scaled down version of the larger Mazda6.
Under the hood, the 2019 Mazda3 will feature the same Skyactiv engines as the current car, along with a new option: the high tech SkyactivX engine, which features high compression, a small supercharger and mild hybrid system.
Equally big is the fact the 2019 Mazda3 will be available with AWD, which outside of Subaru isn’t something you’ll find on many cars in the compact segment.
With a handsome new interior and exterior styling, a more premium feel, advanced powertrains and typical Mazda driving dynamics, the 2019 Mazda3 may show that small cars still have place in this SUV world. Look for it to arrive in dealerships next spring.