Mazda3 2019 Quick Spin

Driving the top-spec Mazda3 G25 Astina on Aussie roads, it is clear the Japanese importer has listened to feedback about noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). What was once a howling banshee is now a well-adjusted, polite individual that knows how to whisper.

There's no ifs, buts or maybes – this is a smoother, quieter, more relaxed car to drive around town now.

Ride comfort has improved slightly, the Mazda small car transitioning over rough speed humps in a smooth manner with very good bump absorption. Together with more sound deadening materials and a stiffer chassis that help reduce noises entering the cabin, it certainly feels like a more premium proposition at nominal speeds.

Seat comfort is also impressive, providing good back support – although the lumbar adjust didn't protrude deep enough for this fastidious vertebrate.

The steering is direct and with a squirt through a large roundabout the car felt just as planted and predictable as its forebear – which is a good thing. It'll be interesting to see how it compares with the impressive new Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla on more demanding – and undulating – sections of snaking bitumen.

Although I only drove the car to speeds of 60km/h, engine power from the tweaked 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has increased slightly and is delivered smoothly to the front wheels. The six-speed automatic has been updated too and provided smooth, quiet shifts.

Little things like the resistance of the buttons – especially the way the indicator stalks softly engage – and the use of higher quality materials, like soft-touch dash plastics and leather seats, make it a more pleasant car to sit in.

The C-pillar is thicker than a triple cream Tassie camembert, which creates a big blind spot and makes head-checking almost impossible. Thankfully the car festooned with sensors – all new Mazda3 model-grades come with blind spot detection, radar cruise control, rear parking sensors, reversing camera and active lane keep assist as standard equipment.

Other standard features include seven airbags, high and low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Check out our news story for every new feature, price and spec on every model-grade of the new-generation 2019 Mazda3.

Another gripe is the ditching of the touchscreen.

Okay, so the new rotary dial input system is more intuitive, has on-screen prompts and better menu and data layouts. Plus the 8.8-inch widescreen display is lovingly integrated into the dashboard like some sort of Scandinavian art installation… but touchscreens are the most intuitive form of input system. That's a fact, not an opinion.

Mazda says it removed the touchscreen to reduce distraction, but I reckon nine out of 10 people will attempt to touch the screen when Apple CarPlay boots up.

No major changes to the powertrains is also a shame. The new-generation SKYACTIV-X engines that promise more power and lower CO2 emissions will arrive in Australia by late 2019. However the innovative engines will only be offered on top-spec models and will also add a premium, potentially costing in excess of $40,000.

There's also the price, which has gone up by $3500 on this model and up to $4500 on other variants.

The new Mazda3 sets a new benchmark in the class for standard equipment but I can't help but feel customers who can't stomach the starting price of $25K will look at a Toyota Corolla ($22,870) or Hyundai i30 ($19,990) instead.

Mazda reckons customers who don't like the high price go for a Mazda2 ($14,990) or CX-3 ($21,790) instead but you'd almost need an RX-7 tatt on your arm to stay that loyal.

In a word, primo. Mazda has gone for a minimalistic look and feel, especially the heating and cooling (HVAC) controls, and it presents well.

The addition of a digital instrument cluster is nice touch and has quite a bit of adjustability for the whole central dial, not just the trip computer.

Head-up display (HUD) is now standard across the Mazda3 range, as is traffic sign (speed limit) recognition which it also displays and appeared to be very effective on our short drive around Saint Kilda and Port Melbourne.

As mentioned, all the touchy-feely bits have been improved, with frequent touch points like the door handles, sleek steering wheel controls and even the glove box handle adding a bit of razzle dazzle to the cockpit. This top-spec model features burgundy (I'd call it red) leather seats and dashboard inserts and overt stitching, but you can opt for plain old black on black – or white if you order the sedan which arrives in June 2019.

Ergonomics in the cabin are very good. All major controls are within easy reach and seat and steering wheel adjustments are ample, allowing for a comfortable driving position to be found quickly.

Rear seat room isn't too bad, although leg room felt a little tight for my lanky frame and although head room is generous it felt a little claustrophobic. Those thick C-pillars again. The flip-side is that the Mazda3 looks very similar to the striking Kai concept car that inspired it.

The new Mazda3 hatch is 10mm shorter than before and boot space has shrunk from 308 to 295 litres as a result but there's enough room back there for a big load of shopping. Fold the rear seats down and you'll even squeeze a small surf board in there.

The new Mazda3 is a lot more expensive now but it comes with loads more equipment. It's quieter, more refined and more luxurious and the fact every model comes with more driver assistance features and safety systems than many luxury German cars is telling.

But there's a reason why people buy Asian small cars like the Mazda3 and that's because traditionally they've been affordable and reliable. Granted, the Volkswagen Golf starts at $24,990 and the new Ford Focus is $25,990 but neither has ever been close to Australia's top-selling car.

Mazda insists buyer tastes are changing and that the new car represents strong value and to a point I agree with both statements. There's a serious amount of standard equipment in this car and the exterior design is daring and different enough to really stand out.

It's a smooth and sleek machine, no doubt about it.

But for all that, the high cost of entry will almost certainly exclude scores of buyers in what is still a price-sensitive segment. In 2018 the Mazda3 was Australia's fourth-most popular car with just over 31,000 vehicles registered… when it was priced from $20,490.

Pegged at $24,990 – which will go close to $30K once on-road costs are added – it's unlikely the new Mazda3 will reach those lofty sales heights again. But our early test drive on local soil suggests it is a much better car to drive than its predecessor and potentially one of the best cars in its class.

For that Mazda deserves the kudos.

How much does the 2019 Mazda3 G25 Astina cost?
Price: $37,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 139kW/252Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: N/A
Safety Rating: N/A