The all-new Mazda3 hatchback has arrived in Ireland and is now available in Mazda showrooms nationwide starting at €26,295, writes Trish Whelan.
This completely redesigned and re-engineered new model will be available in two body-types, hatchback and saloon with the latter arriving in June.
Two engines will initially feature: the 2.0 petrol Skyactiv-G and the 1.8 diesel Skyactiv-D. A 2.0 petrol will be added to the range later this year.
The new Mazda3 now comes with Mild Hybrid tech as standard in all petrol engines and cylinder-deactivation in the 2.0 petrol engine raising fuel economy and driving pleasure.
Entry levels models receive an extensive list of spec as standard. One such item is the windscreen projected Head up Display which projects driver information directly onto the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. The car will be the first in the segment to provide this feature as standard.
2019 will also see the launch of additional next-generation models such as the all-new Mazda3 saloon expected mid-June and the new to the range Mazda CX-30. Another milestone will be the launch of a new engine, Skyactiv-X. By combining the benefits of both petrol and diesel engines through spark and compression ignition, this promises to deliver vast improvements in torque and efficiency.
John Perry, Managing Director of Mazda Ireland said: “These truly are exciting times for the brand.” He added that reactions to the new Mazda3 from first customer test drives and press reviews ‘have been phenomenal’. “Mazda3 has always been a successful model for the brand but this next-generation Mazda3 has further raised the bar within an already competitive segment. By focusing on driving pleasure and creating a bond between car and driver, Mazda don’t just engineer cars to deliver high levels of quality and safety, but to the enjoyment and emotional feeling experienced behind the wheel.”
