The next generation Mazda 3 due in the second quarter brings a more premium feel
The Mazda 3 has been a perennial favourite with small car buyers, and while it’s a close No.2 seller behind the top-selling Toyota Corolla it commands a larger proportion of private buyers. So an all-new model creates enormous attention. I previewed the all-new Mazda 3 hatch this week, due in the second quarter, decidedly more upmarket and considerably more expensive – the G20 Pure manual, the new entry grade Mazda 3 hatch, kicks off at $24,990 $4,500 more than the current manual Neo Sport. Mazda have however shaved $1,000 off the six-speed automatic option. Nevertheless the price hike will no doubt dent some sales but having said that this car is a big step technically, styling wise and in equipment terms. The hatch from a styling sense a knockout – Mazda suggesting a completely new approach was taken to create the free-spirited imagery – big words but quite true – this latest Mazda 3 is a class act from a styling sense – gone are the current models character lines to a smoother style especially around the rear three-quarter. I’m yet to view the sedan in the flesh but the hatch is a knockout with only two body panels shared between the two bodies. To offset the extra cost the new base G20 Pure Mazda 3 gets a head-up display, an 8.8-inch centre screen with sat-nav and a raft of crash preventing technology. According to Mazda’s Marketing Manager the move to lift the new Mazda 3 to a more premium position is what customers have been asking for. I’m David Berthon
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