Every Photo of the New 2019 Mazda 3 Hatchback and Sedan

It seems that Mazda is pulling out all the stops with the 2019 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback. The latest-generation compact rides on a completely new platform, sports an attractive design inside and out, is newly available with all-wheel drive, and eventually will be offered with an advanced new engine technology called Skyactiv-X.

The new 3 is slightly lower and longer than before, and its wheelbase is stretched 1.0 inch.

Mazda has swapped its predecessor's more sophisticated multilink independent rear suspension for a cheaper and more compact torsion-beam setup.

Mazda claims that this new suspension-together with more sound-deadening material-improves the car's quietness, but we hope the switch doesn't come at the expense of the 3's characteristically responsive handling.

Both the sedan and the hatchback have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder until the advanced Skyactiv-X engine arrives later next year.

Mazda says that the 2019 3 will launch in the U.S. with a Skyactiv 2.5-liter inline-four mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

The company isn't discussing power figures at this point, but we expect a similar output to the current 2.5-liter's 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Both the sedan and the hatchback have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder until the advanced Skyactiv-X engine arrives later next year.

Interior materials appear to be significantly upgraded, with a stitched dash pad and metal trim for the climate-control knobs. central infotainment controller, a new steering-wheel design, and an 8.8-inch display screen.

A central infotainment controller, a new steering-wheel design, and an 8.8-inch display screen are new additions.

A dark red leather upholstery color will be offered on the hatchback, and options include a Bose audio system, numerous active-safety features, and a head-up display.

The hatchback's lines are remarkably close to the Kai concept from last year, sharing the same sharply creased front end with slimmer headlights and a prominent front grille, chunky C-pillar, and futuristic-looking taillights with circular cutouts.

In contrast to previous 3s, the sedan has its own distinct, more elegant profile, with an attractive rounded greenhouse and a nicely sculpted trunklid.

Models with the 2.5-liter engine will be going on sale in early 2019, with the Skyactiv-X engine scheduled to arrive by the end of 2019.

By now, we should all be used to the Mazda 3's penchant for seeming way, way nicer than a typical compact car from a mainstream automaker. The original, which made its debut way back in 2004, set the tone as one of the first ever "premium" small cars, offering then mind-blowing features such as navigation and heated seats. The all-new, fourth-generation 3 sedan and hatchback push that envelope yet again with upscale styling inside and out, a seriously nice interior, and an innovative new compression-ignition engine stuffed with tech you won't find in any competitor at any price.-Alexander Stoklosa

Watch for more details about the enticing new Mazda 3 over the next few months.