MOTORING NEWS - The all-new Mazda3 made its world premiere last week at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The fully redesigned model will be rolled out to global markets early in 2019 and the Southern African market can expect the new model in the second half of 2019.

The new Mazda3 adopts a design that embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics. The company stated that while the overall design presents a simple single form, subtle variations bring the styling to life through shifting light and reflections on the body surface.

Despite sharing the Mazda3 name, the hatchback and sedan models have distinct personalities - the design of the hatchback is dynamic and that of the sedan elegant.

The new Mazda3 adopts Mazda's new SKYACTIV vehicle architecture, designed to enable people to make the most of their natural sense of balance. The powertrain lineup comprises the latest SKYACTIV-X, SKYACTIV-G and SKYACTIV-D engines, each of which provides smooth, responsive throttle control in any driving situation.

Based on its key philosophy of designing the car around the human being, Mazda has enhanced the car's fundamental driving attributes to make accelerating, turning and braking feel completely natural.

The Mazda3 is a global model that has driven the company's growth from a brand and business perspective. It has been a mainstay of global production at key plants.

"The all-new Mazda3 we unveiled begins a new era for Mazda," said Akira Marumoto, Mazda's president and CEO. 

"The next generation of Mazda cars will enhance the value of the car-ownership experience. Through these products, we will further raise Mazda's brand value and work towards our goal of building ever stronger bonds with customers all over the world."

The 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show was open to the public until 9 December.

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