A few hours ahead of its official unveiling, and as usual thanks to a certain Czech website, we get to see the first official pictures of the all-new 2014 Mazda3. The best-selling model produced by the Japanese car maker has grown in size in its new model, and gets a lot more technology features than its predecessor.
The design of the new Mazda3 is, of course, a result of the new Kodo philosophy, hence the similarities between this and the other Mazdas produced from 2012 onwards. The car is shown here in the more popular hatchback form, but it will also get a sedan variant, and later on a very hot MPS or Speed3 version.
Longer and wider than the current MAzda3, the new model features a more curvacious body with very sexy headlights and a big grille. Those are the shared qualities between all Kodo-inspired Mazdas. And if the new Mazda6 is any indication, it should look a lot better in the flesh than the pictures.
The new Mazda3 will launch with a range of petrol and diesel engines, all blessed with SKYACTIC technology, some of them even benefiting from the advanced i-ELOOP, Mazda’s regenerative braking system. The petrol lineup includes a 100hp 1.5 liter, a 120hp 2.0 liter, and a 160hp 2.0 liter. The diesel engine on offer is a 2.2 liter unit delivering 150hp and 380Nm. As with the old model, you can choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed auto.
Official details will be released soon, but what we want to know most of all is if the new Mazda3 has the same peppy handling that made the current version such a hit.
Source: Autoforum.cz
