How do you determine the best car of 2019? There are certainly multiple criteria that need to be met. The car needs to be visually appealing both on the outside and the inside. It must have features that improve the driveability and liveability of the car. It must be compelling to drive, both in a casual and spirited manner. It needs to be innovative and bring new ideas to the table to push the conversation forward as far as what a car can do. And as voting contributes significantly to the overall result, the car must be accessible and appealing to the average consumer.
Having driven more than 100 cars this year, we can safely say that very few cars met all the criteria. Some may be deeply exciting and dynamically outstanding, but lack the mass-market appeal or affordability. Some may be extremely affordable and practical, but lacks the emotional appeal to make it stand out.
Among all the cars this year, one car manages to set itself atop the rest – the new Mazda3 Hatchback.
Visually, the Mazda3 distinguishes itself with its minimalistic form, curvaceous lines and fluid demeanour. It's a car that draws your eyes to it. Inside, the same minimalistic quality shines through – the cabin is neatly and sensitively designed, featuring high quality materials and top-notch craftsmanship. The result is a cabin that boasts refinement and sophistication we normally expect from cars of a much higher price bracket.
Of course, the car is also feature packed. You get LED head lights, an 8.8-inch infotainment display, a head-up display, as well as a 7.0-inch LCD central dial cluster. The car also comes with the full i-Activsense suite of safety and driver assistance systems to make your everyday drive safer and more convenient. Of note is the Radar Cruise Control, a feature you won't find on any other cars in this class.
Mazda has also brought a new innovative feature to the Mazda3 – a 24V mild-hybrid assistance system. The system helps to power on-board components and facilitate engine start/stop, which contributes to lowering the car's overall fuel consumption.
On the road, the Mazda3 impresses with its balance between comfort and sportiness. Driven lightly, it demonstrates excellent on-road comfort and manners. Turn into a few corners and Mazda's penchant for making fun to drive cars come through – the steering delivers good feel and accuracy, and the car handles with great balance and verve.
Where the new Mazda3 manages to outshine the competition is in delivering great value and quality. It's a highly refined and well-rounded package that delivers the sort of quality you'd expect to pay quite a bit more money for. It's desirable, practical, comfortable, and definitely accessible to the average buyer. All in all, it's a car that anyone can get excited about, and that's why it is Sgcarmart's Car of the Year 2019.
