The all-new Mazda3 is around the corner and the first video reviews have started to go online, giving us the chance to find out if there’s substance to go with its style. Whether you go for the hatchback or the sedan, the new Mazda3 comes with a design that clearly stands out of the crowd.

Starting from inside

There’s a very pleasing upmarket vibe surrounding the Mazda3 whether you look it from the outside or sit inside the cabin. The interior is made out of good quality materials and the finish is reportedly very impressive and premium-like, putting the Mazda3 up there with the best in class.

There’s also an 8.8-inch high-definition display for the infotainment system, mounted high up on the dashboard and close to the windscreen; Mazda says that this helps the driver focus quicker on the information shown on the display, which can be controlled only by the rotary dial behind the gear selector.

Interior room isn’t class-leading however, with the new Mazda3 falling behind the best in the class in this category. Blame the sloping roofline for that, while boot volume is also smaller than most of its main rivals, at 295lt of capacity.

The powetrains

US-spec cars will be offered with the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine with 186hp and 186lb-ft (252Nm) of torque paired to a six-speed automatic transmission on all models but the hatchback Premium Package, which will feature a six-speed manual. Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system will also be an option. The supercharged 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X engine will follow on a later date.

EU-spec cars come with two engine options from the get-go: a 1.8-liter Skyactiv-D diesel with 114hp and 199lb-ft (270Nm) of torque and a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G mild-hybrid petrol engine with 120hp and 157lb-ft (213Nm) of torque. We have heard from Mazda Slovakia that the supercharged 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X engine for EU models will make 178hp and 164lb-ft (222Nm) but take it with a small grain of salt, at least until Mazda releases the official details.

Let’s see what CarsGuide, Thomas Geiger and Drive.com.au have to say about the new 2019 Mazda3 in the following videos.