Photo: SB-Medien
A brand new generation of the Mazda3 is about to be revealed at the LA Auto Show. And if that wasn't reason enough to get excited, a full production-ready prototype has been spotted undergoing road testing in Euro. It's a gorgeous machine that hides impressive tech.
The Mazda3 has never been every man's family hatchback, and we love this fact. Equipped only with larger-than-usual engines and featuring curvaceous styling, it's aimed squarely at car enthusiasts.
We were promised a "more mature interpretation of Kodo design," and we're getting one. It's like a perfect evolution of the old Mazda3, with keener headlights and a bolder sport car-like grille at the front. Meanwhile, the rump of the beast still prioritizes good design over ease of loading and those boring liters of space. What do you guys think of the 3D taillights?
The interior will take a similar approach to the CX-5, which is proving to be very successful. Don't expect Mercedes-rivaling screen real estate, as the Mazda3 will have three binnacles, one of which should house a display.
Of course, the big story with this car is a brand new type of engine which no other Mazda has. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X will have Spark Controlled Compression Ignition, which will give it about 30% more power than a naturally aspirated 2-liter but also diesel-like fuel consumption.
We've been told that it delivers around 190 HP and 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) of torque and that's more than enough to satisfy our needs. However, the unit doesn't satisfy the needs of every buyer, especially in Europe. That's why we believe the new Mazda3 will be offered with the latest 1.8-liter diesel as well.
However, we couldn't help noticing that Mazda now has a powerful turbo engine in the 250 HP 2.5 Skyactiv-T. So you'll forgive us for wishing the return of the Mazdaspeed3/Mazda3 MPS.
We were promised a "more mature interpretation of Kodo design," and we're getting one. It's like a perfect evolution of the old Mazda3, with keener headlights and a bolder sport car-like grille at the front. Meanwhile, the rump of the beast still prioritizes good design over ease of loading and those boring liters of space. What do you guys think of the 3D taillights?
The interior will take a similar approach to the CX-5, which is proving to be very successful. Don't expect Mercedes-rivaling screen real estate, as the Mazda3 will have three binnacles, one of which should house a display.
Of course, the big story with this car is a brand new type of engine which no other Mazda has. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X will have Spark Controlled Compression Ignition, which will give it about 30% more power than a naturally aspirated 2-liter but also diesel-like fuel consumption.
We've been told that it delivers around 190 HP and 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) of torque and that's more than enough to satisfy our needs. However, the unit doesn't satisfy the needs of every buyer, especially in Europe. That's why we believe the new Mazda3 will be offered with the latest 1.8-liter diesel as well.
However, we couldn't help noticing that Mazda now has a powerful turbo engine in the 250 HP 2.5 Skyactiv-T. So you'll forgive us for wishing the return of the Mazdaspeed3/Mazda3 MPS.
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