New Mazda 3?

[12,000 RPM]

http://jalopnik.com/2014-mazda3-this-is-it-583836367

Cliffs:

Shorter + wider than the current car
2.0L & 2.5L Skyactiv lumps, the latter making the same ~185HP as the one in the 6
Eventual diesel

No word on price or weight yet but I expect the price to stay the same and the weight to drop 100-200lb. On paper at least, this looks to further solidify Mazda's dynamic crown in this segment.

[ifcar]

Maybe it's just the angle, but it looks like two differently sized cars on opposite ends of the A-pillar.

[Raza]

Here's something I don't get to say very often.  I think that looks pretty good. 

[hotrodalex]

Front end is too similar to the 6, but I guess that's not really a bad thing. Looks good.

[Rich]

I like it

[CALL_911]

That looks great

[FlatBlackCaddy]

looks nice, the interior is a HUGE improvement compared to the design of the previous generation. That is the one thing that really made me desire the first gen cars over a newer second generation. Now this looks to have a much cleaner and sophisticated design. Hope it's a few pounds lighter than the old car(I thought that was mazda's big thing with the coming redesigns). I'm probably going to pick up a daily driver in the coming years, nice to know that these might be very attractive used candidates when that time comes.

[SVT666]

Mazda is back this year.  CX-5, 6, and 3 are game changers.

[Cookie Monster]

I don't like the giant bump in the front fender, but other than that it looks great.

[MrH]

I think it'll be more like 200-300 lbs off.  Should be a great vehicle.

Really hoping for a Mazdaspeed version sooner rather than later.

[Colin]

To Job, Mazda-san.

Interior looks much better than previous Mazda and so much classier and tidier than the mess that Ford inflict on us. I reckon this is the bst looking car in its class........ look forward to hearing how well it drives. My expectations are high. 

[12,000 RPM]

Interesting editorial on how Mazda has more than made up for the repeated failed launches of Alfa in the US. Truthfully this looks better than any mainstream Alfa since the 147/156. Probably goes better than those cars too (barring the GTAs)

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/06/qotd-alfa-romeo-in-north-america-whats-the-point/

[Laconian]

Possible replacement for the TSX. Hope it's as luxe

[Raza]

Truthfully this looks better than any mainstream Alfa since the 147/156.

I definitely don't agree with that. 

[NomisR]

Now.. where's my next Rotary engine car? 

[Raza]

Now.. where's my next Rotary engine car?

Search the classifieds....

[NomisR]

Search the classifieds....

I hope they can figure it out and introduce the next rotary...

[Raza]

I hope they can figure it out and introduce the next rotary...

Why?  It's an oddity that never worked. 

[Laconian]

Yeah, the rotary will never thrive. Turbo-4s are cannibalizing the market for light-but-strong motors, and they do so while returning respectable economy numbers.

[MX793]

This facelift can't come soon enough.  I am not at all a fan of the current car's styling.  I love the new 6 (looks very good in the flesh) and can't wait to see the new 3.  Too bad I'll likely be replacing mine with a used car (doesn't make sense to buy new for what is essentially a winter-only driver).  Maybe if mine holds up long enough I can pick up one of these new ones used.

[NomisR]

Why?  It's an oddity that never worked. 

It's just something that's makes for an interesting drive... just being able to rev to hell and back and not feel like the engine is straining ... i don't know.. it just feels good..  driving around in 3rd gear at 70mph and not even noticing it... yeah that..

[hotrodalex]

Yeah, the rotary will never thrive. Turbo-4s are cannibalizing the market for light-but-strong motors, and they do so while returning respectable economy numbers.

Rotary's have no real advantages but they're still awesome. What other engine actually needs you to rev the piss out of it every couple of days?

[FlatBlackCaddy]

With the advancements mazda made in their skyactive motors I have no doubt they are working on ways to advance the rotary design. I think they will succeed and find a way to increase fuel economy, durability and performance.

[Raza]

Rotary's have no real advantages but they're still awesome. What other engine actually needs you to rev the piss out of it every couple of days?

What other engine needs you to replace or rebuild it every two years?

[Raza]

I mean, rotary engines are cool and all, but I won't particularly miss them when they're gone.  I respect them as an oddity, but never loved them enough to overlook the drawbacks.

[NomisR]

What other engine needs you to replace or rebuild it every two years?

Who says they needed to be replaced or rebuilt every 2 years? 

[Catman]

I like it but it lost the sport wagon look a bit and just looks like a regular hatchback now?

[Laconian]

I like it but it lost the sport wagon look a bit and just looks like a regular hatchback now?

I think it looks hawt, but yeah, it overlaps with the 2 in the small hatchback department.

[ifcar]

I guess the new lineup will be Mazda2 for basic, Mazda3 for premium, and CX-5 for versatile.

[2o6]

I like for the most part, but proportions look a little off to me. The relationship between the very front and the A-piller look a bit odd, makes the nose look long and it emphasizes the front overhang. I also am not 100% sold on the rear fascia. The more I look, the less I like it. I will have to see it in person - I didn't really care for the Mazda 6 either (and thought the Fusion was better looking), but after seeing it in person, I now think the Mazda 6 looks best in class.




Good interior, though.


Just from looking at the proporitons, I wonder if it's a cut down Mazda 6 instead of a ground-up small car. Proportions look a little less usable than say....a Golf.

I think it looks hawt, but yeah, it overlaps with the 2 in the small hatchback department.

The Mazda 2 is fucking tiny; it's closer to a City car in size than a Compact.