The New 2019 Mazda 3 – A Comprehensive Review for Car Enthusiasts

For those who have been waiting for a review on the 2019 Mazda 3, you have finally come to the right place. Since the car's inception, there has been a lot of buzz about its performance, reliability, and versatility. In this article, I will provide a detailed review based on my personal experience and insights, which will help you decide if the New 2019 Mazda 3 is a good car for you.

Reliability and Durability

My wife and I purchased our current Mazda 3 in 2017, and I come from a long line of Honda Civics, including the sixth, seventh, and eighth generation models. Initially, I was skeptical about my new purchase, given it wasn't another Honda. However, as time passed, all my criticisms diminished. After seven years of driving, our Mazda 3 has accumulated a mere 118,000 kilometers, with no issues whatsoever. From the engine to the cabin, absolutely nothing has gone wrong.

Excellent Reliability

The only issue that ever arose was during the first service when the dealer replaced the BCM due to a recall. Apart from this minor issue, the car has been rock solid. No headlight bulbs, no cabin lights, and no issues in any part of the car. This level of reliability is simply unheard of in most car models, and it speaks volumes about the quality of craftsmanship and materials used by Mazda.

Efficiency and Performance

The 2.0 petrol engine with 120 hp is incredibly efficient, especially when compared to the eighth generation Honda Civic with a 1.8-liter, 140 hp engine. Both have a 45-liter fuel tank, but with the Civic, you would need to refuel around 360 km, whereas with the Mazda 3, you can go up to 500 km in the city, and even 600 km on open highway conditions.

Impact of Age and Usage

While I might have been younger when I had the Honda Civic, it is important to note that I didn't push it too hard, and as such, these figures are indicative of relatively cautious driving habits. This efficiency is significant, especially for those who prioritize fuel economy.

Unmatched Infotainment System

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Mazda 3 is its infotainment system. A few years after its release, Mazda started supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in newer models. This level of support is rarely seen among traditional car manufacturers, who typically do not offer such upgrades.

Software Upgrade and USB Hub Replacement

Mazda discovered that their infotainment system was used in multiple generations of their vehicles, making it a versatile platform. To support CarPlay, they had to upgrade the infotainment firmware and replace the USB hub with a more modern one that could charge mobile phones with higher amperage. Consequently, they offered this as a reasonably priced upgrade—software update, new USB hub, and a new wire harness. This upgrade truly transformed the car for me, adding a sense of newness and modernity that I’ve seldom experienced.

Conclusion

While the Honda Civic has always held a special place in my heart, my recent experience with the Mazda 3 has made me reconsider my stance. Unless I go fully electric, I am inclined to stick with Mazda. The car is reliable, efficient, and the infotainment system is unmatched in its functionality and support. If you're in the market for a well-rounded, reliable, and feature-rich vehicle, the 2019 Mazda 3 is definitely worth considering.