2019 Mazda3 Puts HeART and Soul into Motion

2019 Mazda3

© PHOTO BY SHERRI TILLEY

KODO design language breathes new life into the all-new premium compact car.

I once knew a woman who had inherited an entire collection of valuable watercolor paintings which had been created by her father, an extremely-talented Midwestern artist. She proudly displayed the works on almost every wall of her home so that the beautiful shapes, expressive colors, and picturesque landscapes became naturally integrated into every aspect of her living space. The cohesive design of premium artwork and interior furnishings was, in many respects, captivatingly museum-like in nature yet comfortably familiar as well.

Similarly, the all-new 2019 Mazda3 ushers in a new era for the automotive brand by offering a more fully-developed interpretation of the well-known KODO Soul of Motion design philosophy which presents artistic elegance and sophisticated styling based on the essence of Japanese aesthetics. First introduced in 2010, the theme has been a driving force which has given Mazda a unique, consistent message and enabled the company to become a worthy competitor in the global marketplace through the meticulous creation of a product that is simultaneously refined machinery and fine art.

Soul of Motion

As part of the exploratory preparation process, designers at Mazda initially work toward creating an ideal form rather than attempting to design a whole car first. By creating objects with different forms and then exploring the emotional reactions to those forms, they can better understand and accommodate the needs and desires of both drivers and passengers alike.

With an obsession to create beautiful vehicles, Mazda's vision is realized by using sculptural exploration to evoke a pleasant feeling of satisfaction and thus a desire to keep driving the vehicle. This next evolution in vehicle design is a done by matching the motion of the vehicle with natural human movements so that every element feels completely natural to all occupants on board.

Breathing Life

In order to express the beauty of sudden motion as seen in living creatures, Mazda's KODO design conveys the dynamic beauty of life. In Japan, the intention of craftsmen is to inject life into objects so that they seem to have a vital force or soul. By applying a human-centric philosophy, every facet of development is carefully considered including the overall visual appeal, driving performance, noise/vibration/harshness, environmental impact, and general feeling of elevated quality.

The fully-redesigned model also distinctly expresses the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 long-term vision for technology development that propels the compnay into assisting with cutting-edge solutions to some of the problematic issues facing the earth, society, and people. With a mission to bring about a beautiful planet and to enrich people's lives, Mazda continues to inspire through conservation initiatives, mechanical advancements, and a focus on enhancing each customer's mental well-being.

Beauty Through Subtraction

The Mazda3 exhibits a simplified aesthetic with clean lines and contemporary appeal. The Japanese philosophy of less is more is exemplified through the elimination of unnecessary elements along with the natural placement of essential characteristics. Visual cues, such as subtle undulations that capture movement even at a standstill and the reflections of light which result in a more vibrant appearance, give the vehicle new vitality and an unmistakably-dignified demeanor.

The Mazda3 is offered in two distinct personality styles: the elegant sedan and the more emotive hatchback. The horizontal flow and low stance of the extended-length sedan gives the impression of a single flowing brushstroke and exudes a calming sense of formal sleekness that appeals to a more sophisticated audience. Conversely, the sportier hatchback, which features a more aggressive character with curved body panels that reflect the surrounding environment and constantly shifting reflections, lends itself to the delight of a more free-spirited consumer who takes pleasure in going his or her own way.

An Object of Universal Desire

The all-new Mazda3 we unveil today begins a new era for Mazda, said Akira Marumoto, Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO. "The next generation of Mazda cars will enhance the value of the car-ownership experience. Though these products, we will further raise Mazda's brand value and work towards our goal of building strong bonds with customers all over the world.

Mazda's compelling evolution of design, coupled with next-generation Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture and the latest Skyactiv engines, continues to raise the bar to the next level for a whole new generation of automotive production and pleasantly-satisfied vehicle owners.

Stop by a local Mazda dealer to test drive (or just gaze at) a Mazda3; or for more information, visit the brand online.