The Mazda3 needs no introduction. Having sold over six million units since its 2003 debut, the all new Mazda3 is a global strategic model that, according to the carmaker, will help to achieve Mazda Premium - a goal that aims to gain customers' trust and consistently refining the driving pleasure that's unique to the Mazda brand.

First unveiled in Los Angeles, the car was created to attract customers in a way very few carmakers have succeeded - to have a completely new design approach to two different body types while ensuring that the two different cars embody strikingly different personalities.

That seems to stand true at the global launch of the all new Mazda3 here in Fukuoka, Japan.

Both body types of the Mazda3, for instance, look every bit elegant and sleek, thanks to its simple and straightforward design that would not cause them to be misunderstood by casual observers as an other brands.

The entire sheet metal is crisp and clean, which says a lot about the carmaker, considering everyone else is trying hard to make their cars look aggressive with unnecessary lines and creases.

That said, it's clear to the eye that the hatchback and sedan models have distinct personalities - the design of the hatchback is more emotional, while the sedan appears to be classy.

Just the colour exclusivity will spill the beans. The Mazda3 Hatchback gets an optional special grey colour that fuses the hard appearance of metal with the smoothness of plastic to create an entirely new expression of style. It even comes with a red interior trimming that goes well with the grey exterior.

According to Yasutaka Tsuchida, Chief Designer of the Mazda3, the focus was placed more on the hatchback variant because of its shrinking market. "More people are shifting towards crossovers. Hence, we wanted to increase the desirability of hatchbacks," said Tsuchida.

Still, given that simplicity is the name of the game, Mazda did not stop with its exterior.

Its cabin sports a new layout that is impressively uncluttered, thanks to the repositioning of the cup holders to the front and new commander control (Mazda's rotary knob) that controls the functions of the new 8.8-inch infotainment system. There are also a redesigned gear knob and a bigger armrest. These changes all add up to allow for a neater setup for both the occupants upfront.

As for rear passengers, there is sufficient head and legroom for three adults. Wheelbase for both the hatchback and sedan has been increased by a significant 25mm to 2,725mm.

Specs wise, the all new Mazda3 certainly isn't lacking. Not only is it based on the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture platform, it comes available with several engine options, including the new Skyactiv-X gasoline powerplant. For Singapore's market, Mazda will be sharing more information about the new said engine in due course.

At launch, other gasoline engines for both the hatchback and sedan include the 1.5-litre, 2.0-litre and the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engines. Singapore plans to introduce the front-wheel driven 1.5-litre mild hybrid variant soon. All engines are mated to a six-speed autobox.

Watch our full local review video below here!