Mazda Announces Radically Styled Third-Generation Mazda3

MazdaMazdaJapan, 1920 > present80 models
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has unveiled the new, third generation Mazda3Mazda Mazda 3 Gen.3Japan, 2013 > present56 versions
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five-door hatchback simultaneously in North America, Europe and Australia. In the decade since the first generation was introduced, Mazda has sold over 3.5 million Mazda3s, and it is the brand’s bestselling nameplate.

The latest generation gets an all-new look with a 2.4in longer wheelbase but 1.8in shorter overall length. It is also 0.6in lower and 1.6in wider than the previous generation. The changes create a very dynamic, sporty five-door hatchback.

The front follows the same design inspiration as the CX5Mazda CX-5 Gen.1Japan, 2012 > present37 versions
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and Mazda 6Mazda 6 Gen.3Japan, 2012 > present56 versions
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with a roughly triangular front grill that looks like the rotor from one of Mazda’s Wankel engines. The bottom of the grill is outlined in chrome that grows out in the side to create eyebrows for the headlights. In profile, the new Mazda3 has two obvious lines. The first arches from the front wheel wells to the center of the front doors. The other is the car’s wide hip at the rear door. The rear is wide with the taillights at the farthest end of the car. For a car made from everyday driving, the new Mazda3 looks quite aggressive and complicated.

The changes in dimensions allow for the rear seatbacks to be 2.0in taller. There is also more shoulder room for front and rear passengers.

Also, while it aggressive, it is also quite aerodynamic. The 3’s coefficient of drag drops from 0.275 in the previous generation to 0.255 in the new car. Technologies like grill shutters give a major benefit to the coefficient of drag.

The cars will come standard with 16in steel wheels, but there will be alloy options from 16in to 18in. They will be available in all of the previous colors of the Mazda3, plus the new colors Titanium Flash Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.

Mazda is introducing its new interior style on the new 3. It attempts to simplify the interior with fewer knobs and buttons. Most of the data is displayed on an LED display just away from the eye-line of the driver, and this will come on all cars. It folds into the dashboard when the car is off. The new design also has the A-pillars moved 3.9in rearward to give the driver a greater degree of forward visibility.

The interior will be available in black or sand cloth, black leatherette and black or almond leather.

Depending on region, the Mazda3 will be available with two or three engines. The North America will be available with either the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine or new SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter. Europe will get a SKYACTIV-G 1.5, SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel. Japan will get a hybrid version. The new 2.5-liter engine produces 184hp and 185lb-ft of torque.

All regions will get a choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The new Mazda3 will be on sale before the end of the year. Mazda has not announced pricing for any region yet.