The 2019 Mazda 3 is one of the most promising sedans out there, not knowing that the rear suspension is now more of a torsion beam than a multilink setup. However, the first batch of vehicles for the German market is a bit expensive thanks to a starting price of 22,990 euros.
The online configurator for Germany starts with the SkyActiv-G 2.0 M Hybrid, a four-cylinder engine with 122 PS (120 PS). The four-cylinder in-line engine, which was connected to a six-speed manual transmission from the start, is also available with the six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission for a further 2,000 euros above the starting price.
Customers who prefer the SkyActiv-D 1.8 have to pay an additional 2,300 euros, and here too the slush machine costs 2,000 euros. The wide range of standard equipment starts with full LED lighting, satellite navigation for the 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, advanced head-up display, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam, parking assistant, Apple CarPlay and Android. Car, air conditioning, black headliner and eight speakers for the audio system.
Then the high-end equipment variant is the choice. For an additional fee of € 1,300, this configuration includes heated front seats and steering wheel, rear view camera, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, windscreen wipers with defrosting function, front parking sensors and automatically dimming exterior mirrors.
Magma Red Metallic (pictured) is the most expensive exterior paint option (€ 900) while the others cost € 580 and € 770, respectively. 16-inch alloy wheels are standard, and for 500 euros the diameter drops to 18 inches and the finish changes from silver to light gray.
Customers who want leather upholstery will have to pay € 1,800 for this option, while the i-Activsense security package costs € 1,200. The design package and the BOSE Surround Sound System complete the list of optional extras.
The SkyActiv-X engine will be unveiled later this year at 181 horsepower (179 hp). In North America, prices for the sedan with SkyActiv-G 2.5 and automatic transmission start at $ 21,000, while the hatchback with more standard equipment costs $ 23,600.
All-wheel drive is also available starting at $ 25,000, but not much is known about this device to European customers. Little by little, expect Mazda to add functionality to the old continent as well.