Topic: Next Mazda3

[MKII]

The new Mazda 3 has zoom-zoomed in – and it’s set to raise the bar in the family hatchback sector next year!

It’s off to a good start, too. The car is based on the class-leading Ford Focus, and blends these proven underpinnings with chassis expertise from the MX-5.

Refinement and cabin quality are high on the agenda for Mazda, so expect plenty of soft-touch cabin plastics and a layout inspired by the bigger 6. Launch engines will come from the Ford stable, with petrol units ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 litres and diesels from 1.6 to 2.2 litres.

As engineers made the latest 2 lighter than its predecessor, the new 3 is set to weigh less, too. Add in the liberal use of biodegradable materials, and it will be one of the greenest hatchbacks around.

Performance fans will be pleased to hear that an MPS model will feature the five-cylinder turbo from the Focus ST. In the Mazda, which is due in 2010, this will offer around 250bhp. And the discreet look of the current 3 MPS is set to be axed in favour of a more menacing design.

As our picture shows, even entry-level versions of the new car will look good, though. Teardrop headlamps curve down into a deep front grille and are flanked by wide wheelarches. A sharp crease runs through each door handle, and kinks above the side sills add drama.


http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/225669/mazda-sharpens-up-its-act-on-new-3.html

[quadzilla]

The new version of the 3 is high on my next car list. I wonder what engines we will get over here? I'm hoping the new 2.5L in the Mz6 and probably a 2.0 for entry level?  Wonder how the Sport version will be for trunk space.

[PJungnitsch]

From what I understand it is coming out pretty quickly here, possibly by the spring.

Hopefully they don't kill the hatch for Canada, like they did with the 6.

[2JDM]

From what I understand it is coming out pretty quickly here, possibly by the spring.

Hopefully they don't kill the hatch for Canada, like they did with the 6.

They shouldn't. The hatch actually sells.

[ghost]

any pix of the hatch version? The 5dr version really makes the Mazda3 what it is today. The sedan is abit dull in the sea of compact 4drs.

[Thinking Out Loud]

I think I just found a replacement for my Mazda 5!!!  Assuming that the car is as swoopy as it appears in the picture.....

Damn the Mazda lease gestapo!  I'll leave the keys to the flaming wreck of a Mazda 5 in the ditch in 3 years for one of those....

[Dante]

Although I don't get the front bumper as it appears in this picture, the line of the car and the details are very nice. I'm looking forward to the hatchback.
I thought it would be boring to replace a Mazda3 with another Mazda3 and I thought a Ford Focus or Fiesta would be more likely, but this picture got me thinking....

[G0dspd]

The picture in the article is a CGI rendering: http://www.pressportal.com.au/news/524/ARTICLE/2729/2008-07-30.html

There are a few "guesses" running around the various automotive websites.  If you look at the spy shot, there seems to be a bumper in the mouth of the car ... maybe they're on to something.  My favorite is the Astra look-alike.

[mmret]

If it looks like a mini-new-Euro 6.....sweet deal.

[Baron von Raschke]

Let's hope Mazda will also offer ESC on Canadian Mazda 3s like the ones south of the border.

[dorin]

^ Only as long as the ESC can be fully defeated and is a standalone option.  I for one don't want it in my cars and I would hate to have no choice to turn it off as well as to be forced to pay for it.

[ovr50]

Since I am thinking of replacing the HL in Spring 09, this new 3 in wagon form could be a solid candidate, along with the Mini Clubman, and likely the Rabbit 2.5. It has to be able to carry big dog in the rear behind rear seats in their up position.

Both the white and red renderings of the 3 GT Sport look good to me.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Since I am thinking of replacing the HL in Spring 09, this new 3 in wagon form could be a solid candidate, along with the Mini Clubman, and likely the Rabbit 2.5. It has to be able to carry big dog in the rear behind rear seats in their up position.

Both the white and red renderings of the 3 GT Sport look good to me.

But how does it look to the MASTER of the house

[ovr50]

Since I am thinking of replacing the HL in Spring 09, this new 3 in wagon form could be a solid candidate, along with the Mini Clubman, and likely the Rabbit 2.5. It has to be able to carry big dog in the rear behind rear seats in their up position.

Both the white and red renderings of the 3 GT Sport look good to me.

But how does it look to the MASTER of the house

Ah yes, that old problem. I do have a long time to work on it; and we have the new house to get finished first, so no rush for now. 

[MKII]

The rendering is very well done when comparing to this camo pic http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm253/wildfrisco/Mazda%203/mazda3-sedan-spied-4.jpg

Also I found a not so good camo pic of the hatch http://bp3.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/SIdJSFO6uhI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/VIuVvv_-Sgc/s1600-h/mazda2.jpg

[SkiBunny]

Add in the liberal use of biodegradable materials

Don't want my vehicle to be biodegradable.  A lemon is biodegradable.

[Serniter]

Would you like to bury it in your backyard once you're done using it?

[Cortina]

Bit too much grill. Reminds me in someways of Euroland Peugeot.

[Schmengie]

Add in the liberal use of biodegradable materials

Don't want my vehicle to be biodegradable.  A lemon is biodegradable.

That's an old concept. We used to call it RUST.

[safristi]

..RUST NEVER SCHLEPS.................it comes back ta haunt US....as a GREEN INITIATIVE...i never liked MY GREENS as a KID ....and now I know WHY!!!! ....P.S ...I stuffed my first KAR wif Uranium and put it on the Green_Mantle ..where it Glows like a Banshee...and keeps US all warm LIKE......