“The dawn of a new era” yup we’ve heard it before, but this time Mazda is using the tagline for the debut of the 2019 Mazda3, which debuted tonight on the eve of the 2018 LA Auto Show.

2019 Mazda3

Since its introduction in 2003, the Mazda3 has always taken a slightly more upscale and sportier path than its rivals, like the Civic and Corolla. That trend continues today with the introduction of the 2019 Mazda3, which now looks more upscale than before. It also introduces new technology, like the Skyactiv-X engine and even all-wheel drive for the first time.

2019 Mazda3

On the outside, the 2019 Mazda3 features the latest evolution of the Kodo design language, which gives the Mazda3 a more elegant look than its rivals. Mazda says that the new Mazda3 is the first model to adopt the evolved version of its Kodo design language. For the 2019 Mazda4 hatchback, Mazda says it went with a “seductive” theme, while the sedan is designed to look “sleek and elegant.” Either way, both models now look more premium than their predecessors.

2019 Mazda3

Inside there’s a minimalistic design theme, which is similar to the Mazda6. Mazda’s goal was “less is more” which gives the 2019 Mazda3 a cleaner, less distracting interior.

Under the hood there are bigger changes with the introduction of its Skyactiv engines. For the first time the Mazda3 will also be available with a diesel engine, in the form of a Skyactiv-D 1.8L diesel engine. The Skyactive-G engines will also be offered in 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5-liter versions, in addition to the new Skyactiv-X engine that’s assisted by a new M Hybrid system. All the engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

2019 Mazda3

If all-wheel drive is your thing, the Mazda3 is now available with i-Activ AWD with G-Vectoring Control Plus.

To keep everyone safe, the 2019 Mazda3 is available with i-Activesense and its new Driver Monitoring system that uses an infrared camera and LED to monitor the driver’s condition. The system can actually tell how wide open the driver’s eyelids are and how many times they blink to determine drowsiness or fatigue. It can also monitor the drier’s line of sight and eye movement to see if the driver is being attentive and if not it will sound an alert.

Source: Mazda