The compact hatchback segment, huge in Europe, is gaining momentum in North America. Once a segment almost exclusively belonging to the VW Golf and Honda Civic, entrants such as the Hyundai Elantra GT, Chevy Cruze HB, Kia Forte5 and Toyota Corolla HB have all joined the party and all of them have been updated in the last few years.
The next generation of the Mazda3 might best them all and nearly all points by the end of this year. Styling-wise, the car should resemble the infectiously gorgeous KAI Concept that was revealed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Within the sexy shell, Mazda will fit their finest and latest SkyActiv-X engine that should prove to be as powerful as it will be frugal.
There’s a very strong likelihood that the 2019 Mazda3 will be showcased for the first time at next November’s L.A. Auto Show. We are very much looking forward to this car as we’re big fans of this segment. In fact, 2019 should shape up to be good for compact hatches as the next Golf could break cover within a year’s time.
