Everything you need to know about the all new Mazda3

Having sold over six million units since its 2003 debut, the all new Mazda3 is a global strategic model that is aimed to help thrust the Japanese carmaker into the premium realm.

And it's not hard to see why Mazda is a big step closer to achieving that very aim. Here are seven things you need to know about the all new Mazda3.

1. Singapore is getting the 1.5-litre mild hybrid

Mazda has plans to bring in the all new Mazda3 model that will come equipped with a Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre mild hybrid gasoline engine

Amongst the selection of engine range that's made available to the Mazda3, there are plans for the model to be equipped with the Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre mild hybrid gasoline engine.

This said 24V mild hybrid system will not be used to boost the car's performance, but will be utilising electrical assistance to help improve the car's fuel economy instead.

Unfortunately, the output of the 1.5-litre engine has not been confirmed.

2. There's the new Skyactiv-X engine

Mazda will be sharing more information about the new engine in due course

One of the new powertrain lineup includes the combustion Skyactiv-X engine. What it does is it essentially combines the advantages of gasoline and diesel engines.

The new engine has a Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition system that enables drivers to choose gear settings that accentuate performance without compromising on emissions and fuel consumption. This allows for quicker engine response (like a diesel engine) and a smooth driving feel (like a gasoline engine).

3. Minimalism is the name of the game

Great attention to detail has been paid to the car's design to ensure its simplicity and elegance - even down to the door handles

The hatchback has been designed to look emotional while the sedan version that we drove was created to exude a sense of elegance. But that doesn't mean that the design of the car has been overdone.

In keeping with the 'less is more' theme, designers have even gone to the extend of hiding the key hole behind the driver's door handle and replacing the keyless entry button with a sensor on the handle to ensure simplicity.

4. It's significantly quieter

Different materials was considered for the sake of better sound insulation

The Mazda3 doesn't just focus on good insulation to guarantee quietness. Instead, the carmaker has done some thorough research to ensure that the new model delivers 'high quality quietness'. This results in a cabin that's highly refined.

Thus, more than just sound-absorbing functionality that has been added to headliners as well as having thicker glass windows, Mazda even reduced the number of holes in the carpeting to ensure that sound insulation was enhanced.

5. Focusing on driving position through an upright pelvis

An upright pelvis is key to ensuring a more manageable and comfortable drive

A more precise control over the adjustment of the driving position has been implemented for the sake of better control and higher levels of comfort when piloting the car.

During my time with the car, the seat tile adjustment allowed me to keep my thighs high without straining my muscles. This support meant that my pelvis was kept in an upright position to maintain the ideal posture when I'm behind the wheel. Plus, the wider range of steering adjustment assisted in my driving position greatly.

6. Infotainment system is better, faster and smoother

The new 8.8-inch infotainment system even comes with a new font type and size to match its modernity

The new 8.8-inch infotainment system that takes centre stage sports a number of improvements. Apart from the size increment, it's now supported by two CPUs: The main CPU ensures high performance while the sub-CPU guarantees a quicker response.

During a live presentation, for example, the system displayed a fast start-up and an accurate reading of the vehicle's location on the navigation despite being in an underground carpark. Additionally, the system now also projects more modernised text, graphics and layout.

7. Booming sound quality

Thanks to the repositioning of speakers, the sound quality has inproved tremendously

For the Mazda3, music is broadcasted through eight speakers as standard while there's an option to upgrade them to a 12-speaker Bose sound system should you decide to call yourself an audiophile.

Although I never got the chance to experience the optional sound system, the standard eight-speaker system sounded impressive. This has largely to do with the positioning of the speakers that helps to avoid the tonal quality of the music and improve the way sound is transmitted to occupants' ears.

For instance, two of the eight speakers are positioned nicely at the front corners of the car and are covered up by the dashboard at the front footwells. Thanks to this, sound is being amplified without compromising on depth and clarity of the music.