Eurokars has finally launched the all new Mazda3 in Singapore at its showroom at 5 Ubi Close.

At the launch was Mr. Kota Beppu, Program Manager of the new Mazda, to introduce the inspiration, as well as the priorities that the Japanese carmaker held when developing the new car.

Mr. Beppu's job is not necessarily an enviable one, with the Mazda3's popular competitors having all recently raised their stakes - the new Toyota Corolla has received a major cosmetic upgrade over the previous model, and the Volkswagen Golf's ability to sell on the reputation of its name alone.

Add to the fact that the premium marques have begun to muscle in on the same market segment and the ever-increasing popularity of small crossovers and selling a car in this segment naturally seems like very hard going.

Plucky Mazda nonetheless makes a strong showing with the new Mazda3, with strong emphasis on the fact that the car is now aspiring towards a more premium status, effectively attempting to carve out its own market niche within the already crowded segment. 

The first striking feature of the new Mazda 3 hatchback is the fact that it takes an unprecedented approach to design and eliminates all character lines, instead relying entirely on its lustrous and beautifully curved panels that reflect the surrounding environment. Mr. Beppu says this is inspired by 'the free spirit, determined to follow their own convictions and not be bound by conventional wisdom.'

Meanwhile, the sedan embodies an adherence to formality and traditional style that conceal an idiomatic beauty that is breathtaking when glimpsed - Mazda abandoned all notions of adhering to the constraints of manufacturing a C-segment car and aspired to create a gorgeous sedan in its class.

The Mazda3's standout identity continues with the engine, with Singapore being the first market to receive the 3 with Mazda's M-Hybrid (Mild Hybrid) system mated to the SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre engine, capable of a maximum output of 118bhp and 153Nm of torque.

The engine itself utilises a high compression to extract as much energy as possible from every drop of fuel, delivering performance and economical motoring alike, while the M-Hybrid system further aids by recuperating energy during braking in order to power onboard electrical equipment.

On the interior, the Mazda3's engineers went beyond just building a great car, but rather placed emphasis on studying the human body as part of their 'jinba-ittai' philosophy. The seats now adopt a basic structure that is carefully designed to maintain the natural S-shaped curve of the spine, while added bolstering is provided in the lower and upper pelvis and thighs in order to keep the pelvis in an upright position.

This aids in reducing lateral head movement as naturally occurs when the body is walking, and, together with carefully tuned suspension damping rates, will lead to a perceptibly smoother, more comfortable ride for all occupants.

Elsewhere in the cabin, meticulous attention to detail has likewise been paid to the controls and switchgear, imparting a high-quality feel. Where in-cabin displays are increasingly asked to serve multiple functions, Mazda has instead opted to simplify the cabin layout, which now features clear distinctions between driving and entertainment sections with all essential driving information displayed on the 7.0-inch cluster LCD in front of the driver, and information related to entertainment and convenience kept within the 8.8-inch centre display, minimising distractions to the driver when behind the wheel.

Dual front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as a driver knee airbag come as standard. Elegance and Astina spec models also receive Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane-keep Assist System and Radar Cruise Control, while Cruising and Traffic Support is available on the highest-spec Astina variant.

For all those interested in learning more about the car, a second presentation, this time open to the public, will be made by Mr. Kota Beppu on the 20^th of July at Eurokars' showroom at 5 Ubi Close.


Curious as to how the new car performs? Watch our full video review here!