All-new Mazda 3 - First impression

Moving another generation up, the latest 2020 Mazda 3 is now in its fourth-generation and was launched in the country in August this year. Mazda Philippines did make us wait for quite some time because the car itself was previewed back in March.

However, the longing didn’t affect the sales of the car at all because the Mazda 3 is in huge demand - over 150 units have already been delivered to the customers within just seven weeks of the car’s launch. So, what does the 2020 Mazda 3 all about and what’s making it sell like hotcakes? We will find out in our first impression.

We are very much familiar with Mazda’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design language. We have seen it in the past and with the new Mazda 3, things have been made even better. It continues to give the first impression that you aren’t going to forget for a really long time.

Mazda did change a few elements on the outside. For example, the unique front grille has been made a tad bit larger and also the front bumper has been tweaked a bit for extra sportiness. Mazda also threw in a pair of new LED tail lamps as well as a new set of alloy wheels.

Some other notable exterior features of the 2020 Mazda 3 include-

• LED Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS)
• Headlamps (Running Lamp) - LED
• Side Mirror - Power Adjust & Power Fold with Memory
• Electric Glass Sunroof
• 18" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
• 215/45 R18 Tyres
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Dual Exhaust Tail Pipe

Mazda 3 continues to impress us with its neat and luxurious interior. Everything inside feels premium and made up of top-quality materials. The leather seats work their charm to provide you utmost comfort as well as a touch of sportiness. Sitting in the driver’s seat, you feel an instant connection with the car. Kudos to Mazda for that.

The new 2020 Mazda 3 specs show us that the car is loaded with some really interesting features like the newly designed Command Controller knob, 8.8-inch MZD infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, all-digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and much more.

You will also be surprised by the NVH levels inside the cabin. Seriously, they are very well contained and you are totally cut off from all the distraction of the outside world.

What are the 2020 Mazda 3 engine options?

Ans. There are two engine options and both of them are available in both the sedan and hatchback variants. We have a 1.5-litre engine with 111 PS of power and 146 Nm of torque. This goes in the Elite variant. And the Premium variant is powered by a 2.0-litre engine that produces 154 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque.

Engine type	SKYACTIV-G 1.5L	SKYACTIV-G 2.0L
Engine config.	In-line 4-Cylinder DOHC, 16 Valves
Displacement	1,496 cc	1,998 cc
Maximum Output (PS/rpm)	111 / 6,000	154 / 6,000
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)	146 / 3,500	200 / 4,000
Transmission	SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-Speed Automatic with Sport Mode

 

If we had to pick between these two engines, we would definitely go with the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.0. Which one would you go for?

With the new 2020 Mazda 3, we’ve noticed that Mazda has focussed a lot on the safety. Although there are a plethora of safety features on-board, it’s the small things that really matter and enhances the overall ownership and driving experience.

For example, there is Mazda’s new Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS) system which contributes to reducing driver fatigue by assisting with the accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in traffic jams. It is kind of a driving assist feature. Another similar feature is the Smart City Brake which prevents frontal collisions while driving at slow speeds.

We also have Mazda’s i-Active Sense safety system which includes features like-

• Blind-Spot Monitoring - Equipped with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning - With Lane Keep Assist
• Driver Monitoring

And, of course, there are the usual safety features as well-

• Driver and Front Passenger, Side Driver and Passenger, Left and
• Right Curtain & Driver Knee Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• 360-degree View Camera
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Pedal Misuse Alert

What is the price of the new Mazda 3?

Ans. The 2020 Mazda 3 price starts at Php 1,295,000 and goes all the way up to Php 1,590,000. Yes, that’s a lot of money but we think that it’s worth it. We are very impressed with the new Mazda 3 and irrespective of which model you pick, sedan or hatchback, you would have a very satisfying user experience.

Detailed price list of 2020 Mazda 3-

2020 Mazda 3 variant	Price
1.5L A/T Sedan Elite	Php 1,295,000
1.5L A/T Sportback Elite	Php 1,320,000
2.0L A/T Sedan Premium	Php 1,495,000
2.0L A/T Sportback Elite	Php 1,510,000
2.0L A/T Speed	Php 1,590,000

 

Also Read: 2020 Mazda 3 - All you need to know