First drive: Mazda3 2019 review

The new Mazda3 gains a clean exterior design with no character lines. The hatch, with its sloping roofline and pert behind, has a sportier look, while the sedan – which will arrive mid-year – has a more mature design.

The overall look inside is modern and clean, with the only buttons on the centre stack reserved for the air-conditioning. The new Mazda Connect infotainment system features improved functionality and simplified graphics and displays on the sleek 8.8-inch screen. Operated by a central controller rather than a touchscreen, it’s an exceptional example of an in-car infotainment system, but for those who prefer their own phone platforms, all Mazda3 variants are offered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

The second row is a touch dark due to the swept-up window line and small rear window. These elements also make for blind spots, as does the massive B-pillar, meaning the blind-spot monitor, reversing camera and parking sensors come in handy.

The use of quality soft-touch materials, the focus on the driver, the simplicity of the controls and the comfortable seats have lifted the Mazda3’s interior to best-in-class status.

We sampled two versions of the new Mazda3 at the media launch on the New South Wales Central Coast – the $27,690 G20 Evolve that uses a 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv petrol engine, and the $37,990 G25 Astina with a 139kW/252Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

What is immediately noticeable is how much quieter the cabin is compared with the outgoing model. Mazda has fitted the new 3 – which is built on an all-new platform – with more sound-absorbing materials in the cabin, as well as making changes to the suspension and the body to help quell noise, and it’s a job well done.

On the road, the 2.0-litre engine in the G20 is a little underpowered from take-off but is a fine performer around town. The 2.5-litre unit has more punch and while it is not as swift as a turbocharged engine, the performance improves as the revs get higher, ensuring it is the pick of the Mazda3 powertrains.

Steering is perfectly weighted and sharp and the new suspension set-up, combined with the new tyres designed specifically for the Mazda3, ensure it is an engaging and capable handler, while still offering near class-leading ride comfort.