The fourth-generation Mazda3 sedan and Mazda3 hatchback just recently arrived as 2019 models, but the time has already come for Mazda to make changes for the 2020 model year. According to Car and Driver, both the sedan and hatchback will be receiving minor price and content changes for the 2020 model year, mostly focused on increasing the amount of standard safety technology.

Starting with the sedan, Mazda's i-Activsense driver-assist features are now standard across all trim levels after previously being offered only on the hatchback and higher trim sedans. i-Activsense includes features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.

These features don't come for free, as most of the sedan trim levels see a minor price increase for 2020. The base sedan increases by $500 to $22,420, the Select trim increases by $100 to $23,620, and the base hatchback increases by $1,000 to $24,620. All other trims remain identical to 2019.

For a very minor bump in price, Mazda is giving buyers a ton of useful safety features and moving more in line with competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic (both of which include these safety features as standard equipment). For 2020, all-wheel-drive remains a $1,400 option and gives the Mazda3 a unique advantage in the compact segment.

The only engine option remains a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque going out through a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual only available on the premium hatchback trim.

There is still no word on availability for the anticipated SkyActive-X engine with Spark Controlled Compression Ignition technology, so it may not arrive for the greater part of 2020. The only other change for 2020 is a new wheel finish on the premium trim level, though Mazda hasn't published any photos of what it looks like. Expect the 2020 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback to arrive at dealerships in September 2019.