Is This The Next Mazda3 Hatchback?

by Derek Kreindler

June 3rd, 2013 10:26 AM

The above photo making its way around the internet is supposedly the first uncovered photos of the 2015 Mazda3. Based on prior shots of camo-clad prototypes, it looks like this could be the final design.

In any event, we’re likely to see the new 3 sooner rather than later, as our friends at Mazda tell us that the car is slated to debut in Q4 of this year. While the current Mazda3 uses only the powertrain part of Mazda’s Skyactiv technology, this one gets the full treatment, which means it will be a fair bit lighter than the current car thanks to a new platform. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see a diesel engine as well? At least that awful front end is finally put to rest.

#Diesel #Mazda #Mazda3 #SKYACTIV

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7 of 39 comments

Cubista on Jun 03, 2013

The really important question...does MPS get to make a 3rd-gen Mazdaspeed3 our of this? Or (if it gets greenlighted at all) will they use the sedan body this time?

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- Demetri on Jun 04, 2013
  
  And if we do get a Mazdaspeed version, what powerplant will they use in it? I haven't heard anything about development of a turbocharged Skyactiv engine. My guess is that there will be a Mazdaspeed version, and they'll just carry over the engine from the current Speed3. It's not like they can add much more power anyway on the FWD layout. If they just make it lighter, it could be good, and there is plenty to chop from the current Speed3. I mean come on, 3300 lbs? That's 400 lbs more than a standard Mazda3 hatch. Where's all that weight coming from?
  
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Thornmark on Jun 04, 2013

Let's hope it's just a poor pic, the hood looks like it occupies almost 1/2 the length of the car.

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- Mike978 on Jun 05, 2013
  
  Yes because Mazda are so stupid that they forget that it needs to fit people in! The current 3 is fairly spacious for the class. The 6 and CX5 are class competitive, so no reason other than blind hatred for the brand to think this is a fail.
  
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Kyree on Jun 04, 2013

If it is, it's gorgeous. Let's just hope they've made the rear seats a bit more accommodating than those of the outgoing model.

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Otaku on Jun 05, 2013

Slightly less ugly than the clown-faced current model, but still rather ugly in that special Mazda way.

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- Mike978 on Jun 05, 2013
  
  Yes because the MX5, CX5 and new 6 are just so ugly!
  
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