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2019 Mazda3, 2020 Mazda6 Previewed By Concept Cars At 2017 Tokyo Motor Show

The Mazda3 is important to the Japanese automaker’s lineup. But more important is the next-generation model, which will usher plenty of newities, including the SkyActiv-X engine.
Concept cars that preview 2019 Mazda3, 2020 Mazda6 9 photos
Photo: Mazda
Concept that previews 2020 Mazda6Concept that previews 2019 Mazda3Concept that previews 2019 Mazda32019 Mazda3 platform2019 Mazda SkyActiv-X engine2019 Mazda SkyActiv-X engine2019 Mazda SkyActiv-X engine2019 Mazda SkyActiv-X engine
Mazda will take the veils off a compact-sized hatchback concept on October 25 at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, which serves as a preview for the 2019 Mazda3. “It features SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture, next-generation technologies based on Mazda’s human-centered design philosophy that deliver optimum functionality, and is powered by the SkyActiv-X, the world’s first commercially available petrol engine to use compression ignition."

What the automaker didn’t mention in the press release for the 45th Tokyo Motor Show is that 2019 will also see the introduction of a mild-hybrid system and a battery-powered EV. In the case of the 2019 Mazda3, the most likely culprit is mild hybridization in the form of a 48-volt electrical system. This piece of next-generation hardware is of utmost necessity for the all-new SkyActiv-X engine, which employs a clutched supercharger (Roots-type compressor) that provides the air needed for compression ignition.

Joining the hatchback is a “next-generation design vision model,” which presents itself as a four-door sedan with coupe-infused styling. Make no mistake about it, that’s our first glimpse of the 2020 Mazda6. Rumored to make the switch to rear-wheel-drive thanks to a Toyota-developed platform, the next Mazda6 won’t be the first to get the Kodo Design 2 design language.

That would be the 2019 Mazda3, as confirmed by the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 timeline covered by autoevolution in a previous story. Joining the two concepts on stage will be the all-new CX-8 crossover, the updated MX-5 RF, and two special editions of the Demio (Mazda2) and MX-5 Miata (soft top).

In stark contrast to previous reports on Mazda’s presence at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the automaker doesn’t mention anything about the evolution of the RX-Vision Concept. Nevertheless, Mazda confirmed that it’s working hard on the SkyActiv-R rotary engine, which will see at least two applications. The first is the RX-9 sports car, and the second is a range-extended PHEV.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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