2019 Mazda 3 Liftback 1.5 SkyActiv Review

The C-segment hatchback market in Malaysia has always been a popular choice among family users and young commuters, as it needs to fulfill the daily practicality requirements while also considering a certain level of design and configuration experience. The 2019 Mazda 3 Liftback 1.5 SkyActiv, as a competitor in this segment, features the “Kodo” design language and comprehensive safety configurations as its core selling points. This time, through an actual test drive, we will examine whether it can impress consumers with its balance, while also verifying whether its performance in power and space meets the mainstream requirements of C-segment cars.

From the exterior, this hatchback continues Mazda's sharp family style. The front face features a large shield-shaped grille, paired with horizontally treated blackened trim. The LED headlight assemblies on both sides seamlessly connect with the edges of the grille, enhancing the visual width. Two raised ridges on the hood extend from the A-pillar to the grille, adding a sense of strength. The body side profile is sleek, with the waistline running from the front fender to the taillights, complemented by a slightly sloping roof, giving the car a compact and dynamic appearance. The 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels have a simple design that matches the overall style of the vehicle. At the rear, the LED taillight assembly adopts a horizontal layout, with the internal light strips providing high recognition when lit. The black rear diffuser decoration under the bumper and the hidden exhaust layout further enhance the sporty atmosphere.

Inside the car, the interior features a symmetrical dashboard design with a simple and elegant overall style. The top of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials and accented with silver trim, which gives it a mid-to-high level texture within its class. The 8.8-inch central touchscreen is located at the top of the dashboard, supports touch operation, boasts a clear interface logic, and has a quick response time. Below it, some physical buttons are retained for convenient blind operation while driving. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, providing a comfortable grip. The left side has buttons for audio controls and Bluetooth calls, while the right side includes controls for the driver assistance systems as well as shift paddles to enhance driving pleasure. A HUD digital head-up display system comes standard, showing information like speed and navigation, reducing the driver's need to glance down at the instrument panel. In terms of seating, the driver's seat supports 10-way electric adjustment with 2 memory settings. The backrest and cushion provide good support, while the front passenger seat is manually adjustable. The rear seats can be folded in a 60/40 split, expanding the trunk space to accommodate larger items.

In terms of spatial performance, the vehicle measures 4460mm in length, 1795mm in width, 1435mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2725mm, which is considered mainstream in the C-segment hatchback category. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm-tall individual finding one fist of headroom after adjusting their seat position. The rear legroom measures approximately two fists, and the headroom about one fist, which is sufficient for everyday family use. When it comes to storage, the front center armrest box has a large capacity, accommodating personal items with ease. The door panel storage slots can hold water bottles and phones, providing good usability. The trunk has a standard capacity of 295L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it suitable for long trips or transporting goods.

For the powertrain, it is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 120PS/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 153N·m/4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power output in the initial stage is smooth, and the throttle response is linear, suitable for urban commuting. The mid-to-late acceleration performance is moderate, and when the accelerator is pressed deeply, the transmission actively downshifts to provide a certain level of push-back feeling. However, sufficient distance needs to be reserved for high-speed overtaking. The driving modes are divided into Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission delays shifting and maintains higher RPMs, making the power response more agile.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers precise turning with minimal slack. The steering feels light at low speeds and gradually becomes heavier at high speeds, providing confidence to the driver. The suspension system features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for sportiness. The body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and the support is commendable. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations while retaining a certain road feel, balancing both handling and comfort. Braking performance is stable, with a moderate brake pedal travel and linear braking force output. The vehicle remains stable during emergency braking.

In the fuel consumption test, the average fuel consumption is approximately 6.5L/100km during urban driving and about 5.2L/100km on highways, matching the official 5.9L/100km combined fuel consumption figure. The fuel economy is impressive. Regarding driving assist systems, standard features include lane change assist, lane departure warning, and active braking. In practical use, the lane departure warning system is responsive and promptly alerts the driver to correct the direction. The active braking system applies braking automatically when encountering obstacles ahead, enhancing driving safety.

In terms of ride comfort, cabin noise control is excellent, with engine noise almost inaudible at idle. Wind and tire noises become slightly noticeable at high speeds but do not interfere with normal conversation. The seats provide good support and wrapping, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system offers efficient cooling, and the rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents to cater to rear passengers' needs.

In summary, the 2019 Mazda 3 Liftback 1.5 SkyActiv stands out for its balanced overall capabilities: stylish exterior design, decent interior quality, ample space, comprehensive safety features, and reliable powertrain. Compared to competitors in the same class, its safety features and interior quality are more competitive, and its price sits within a reasonable range. This car is suitable for families prioritizing safety, space, and comfort, as well as young consumers looking for driving pleasure. If you are seeking a C-segment hatchback that balances family use and personal driving needs, the Mazda 3 Liftback 1.5 SkyActiv is worth considering.