Mazda Mazda 3 (Japan, 2013-present)

In summer 2013, Mazda unveiled the new, third generation Mazda3 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 new 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 CX5 and Mazda 6 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...