Mazda Rethinks The 3
Published: September 8th, 2010
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There are no rumors to report here, just a hypnotic video of Mazda working through its new Kodo design language on a compact hatchback concept. As with the Shinari concept, Mazda’s stated goal of becoming “the Japanese Alfa Romeo” is well-evidenced, and though it’s early days yet, the new direction looks promising. But then, anything that looks less like a stimulant-crazed Pokemon than the current Mazda3 would have counted as improvement.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Mazda 3 gets a Face-Lift Next Year...So the BIG Smile goes... Small Car Design is EXTREMELY Difficult with new safety regulation changing every few years, in a small box there is ONLY a few directions any car designer can take, a maker just CAN NOT make a small low car anymore for mass production. The USA will not let them in.. The LARGER the car is "easier" ,but, even large cars are looking UGLY...too much sheet metal, but again there are size and safety standards that have to be met. Mazda Shinari Vid.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpP46p_6VQI
I will say it again. In order to have a transverse mounted engine and front wheel drive which I assume that a new 3 would have, you will have to push the front wheels 8-10 inches back into the car. The design will not look as good without the short front overhang. This is the challenge that the designers have. This drawing is pure fantasy.
I liked it before the roofline morphed to have a mullet at the rear windshield...is that a really really stubby "cheetah tail" inspiration???
This new version is hardly enough improvement in the front end design to even care. I wonder how many sales were lost because of this? I count for one.