LOS ANGELES — The fourth-generation of the Mazda3 — the little car that could — is now sharper to the eye, it has a much classier interior, a new platform, and now comes with optional all-wheel-drive. That, by any standard, is a comprehensive makeover.

As before the Mazda3 will be offered in both as a sedan and hatchback. The new look is stronger and gets its key cues from the Kai concept, and both body styles have slightly different looks. The sedan has is more formal in appearance and continues to wear the traditional character lines in the side profile. Meanwhile, the hatch has a sportier look devoid of the side character lines. Instead, it has sensual curves swaged into the doors, and the fenders do the talking.

While looks are important, the Mazda3 takes the biggest strides beneath the shapely sheet metal. The new platform gives all of the mechanicals a solid base of operations, and it now has better sound insulation and isolation — it’s now the quietest car in the segment by a wide margin. Lexus-like is not overstating things.

The big news is the addition of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system. It drives the front wheels under normal conditions, but can transfer up to 50 per cent of power to the rear wheels, and it does so proactively. It looks at the engine, transmission, steering angle and brake usage, along with aspects like outside temperature and wiper usage, to determine when wheel slip is about to occur and reapportion the torque accordingly. For example, it pulls away using all four wheels to prevent unwanted wheelspin, and it alters the power split to help counter a wayward tendency. It works with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system.

The latest update to the system extends the original ability of G-Vectoring Control by adding a brake function. Heading into a corner, the system reduces engine torque slightly to load up the front tires. This simple action brings a crisper, more responsive turn-in. At the exit of the corner, it dabs the outside front brake to get the Mazda3 back on track in a smooth manner. It’s a simple system that improves the Mazda3’s responsiveness, as it proved on a hard and way-too-fast run up a delightfully twisty canyon road.

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

The other significant change is found in the rear suspension. The previous multi-link design has given way to a simpler torsion beam setup. Now, before the worrywart enthusiasts begin the hand-wringing, the switch actually improves the handling characteristics while maintaining the ride comfort. In simple terms, the new design has but two bushings as opposed to the multitude in the multi-link design. This makes tuning the setup easier and more accurate — there is no toe-in during hard cornering, making the Mazda3 feel much crisper.

The plus is the reworked suspension makes the steering feel much more responsive. In this regard, the Mazda3 is the segment best when it comes to steering feel and reaction to input. Again, the combined effects of G-Vectoring Plus and the steering saw the Mazda3 scamper through some serious switchbacks as if on rails.

At launch the Mazda3 will be offered with two Skyactiv-G engines. The base will be the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder, with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Next up is the 2.5L inline-four with 186 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. Both will be offered with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions — all models of the hatch will get the manual, but on the sedans, it’s only available with the GX and GS trims.

The intriguing news is the rollout of Mazda’s Skyactiv-X Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) engine. It uses a gas engine’s traditional spark ignition and a diesel-like compression ignition cycle to deliver superior fuel economy, lower emissions and better power delivery. It still burns gasoline, but when the conditions are right it operates like a diesel, bringing significantly better low-end torque and fuel economy. When I tested this engine a while ago, it slashed the fuel consumption by 17.8 per cent compared to the current 2.0L engine — that is astounding by any standard. The timing of its arrival is uncertain, although it will likely not be until the 2020 model year.

Inside, the cabin is modern with a simple, clean design and a high-tech look. It now has classier materials and a higher degree of comfort, which makes for a very accommodating environment. Leading the list of upgrades is a new infotainment system that now works with a larger 8.8-inch display, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The format and layout of the central controller has been simplified so it’s easier to scroll through the menus. A favourite button then allows the driver to store everything from radio presets to navigation destinations in one place, and call them up with a single push.

Also worthy of note is the quality of the sound system — pointing the tweeters and mid-range speakers at the riders, and moving the bass speakers from the doors to a spot by the A-pillar kick panel, eliminates the usual buzz and distortion when the sound system is cranked. And this is the base system. The up-level Bose unit sounds even better.

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

2019 Mazda3 Graeme Fletcher , Driving

The latest Mazda3 also benefits from more safety equipment — blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on all models except the base GX sedan, where it’s an option. The GS and GT trims include everything from adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, to a new drowsy driver monitor — a camera looks for an inattentive or sleepy driver and warns accordingly.

The Mazda3 has been the darling of the compact class since its introduction. With its new look, swanky interior, engine choices and available all-wheel-drive, the latest Mazda3 will reclaim it status as the benchmark for the segment.

Starting at $18,000 for the base GX with a manual transmission, the Mazda3 sedan tops out at $30,400 for the GT with its 2.5L engine, automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system. The hatchback starts at $21,300 and tops out at $31,400.