TTAC Photochop: New Mazda3 Mk II

by Andrei Avarvarii

May 9th, 2008 10:18 AM

Mazda's got the zoom-zoom thing wired lately. Their recent models– the second wave of 6s and 2s– are looking gooood. Both of these cars seem very mature yet fresh. Although they're all Mazdas in every way, the smaller one appears cute and playful, while the 6 is serious and elegant. The second generation 3/Axela/Mazdaspeed3, due out later this year, is looking to hit the middle ground. And what do you get if you mix playfulness and energy with good looks? A sexy show-off. That's what the new 3 will be about: an evolution of the concept, but more daring and sleek. Another winner.

[For more Avarvarii photochopistry, click h ere]

Comments

Join the conversation

4 of 17 comments

Dinu on May 09, 2008

Wow! Looks feasible/realistic, considering what we know of the CX-7 and new Mazda6. And this is what attracts me the most - seeing spy pics/photochops where you can actually see that the car can be made, not some far-fetched idea. Bravo Andrei! I love it!

Like Reply
Shaker on May 10, 2008

I would buy that "3"!

Like Reply
The Luigiian on May 10, 2008
The real question is that if the Mazda3 moves up to the larger second generation C-1 platform, will we get a Mazda2? It is a strange reversal of fortune. Mazda got the C-1 3, while Ford USA did not get a C-1 Focus. Now Ford is getting the Fiesta, while Mazda does not get the 2. What gives? I'm hoping it goes like this: Ford kept the Focus on the C-1 chassis, restyled like it is, to keep it cheap until it receives the Fiesta. Then, once Ford gets the Fiesta and has an ultracheap budget car, it will release the Euro-Focus simultaneously and announce that our current rehashed Focus was only a stopgap measure to keep the Focus cheap until they had a cheap car to replace it with. Then, they'll have the upscale budget car (Focus, with possible coupe/convertible configuration to make sure people understand that it's a better car overall with more money and time put in) and their cheap little budget car for people who just want something cheap and tiny. I like your rendition of the Mazda 3, but I wish they'd offer it in coupe form. I don't like hatchbacks and wagons (I think they're ugly), but I can't afford to fill up a Mustang. Where's my sporty little econo-car?

Like Reply
Eric_Stepans on May 11, 2008

I'm going to be a bit contrary here. As a former Mazda3 owner, I don't like the narrowing of the greenhouse on this rendition (although I admit it looks nice). I'm currently driving a rental Dodge Challenger and the gun-slit windows are driving me nuts. Keep the belt line on the down-low, Mazda!

Like Reply