2015 Mazda3 shows its shape

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-mazda3-spy-shots/

Mazda's new Kodo design language is set to quickly spread across the automaker's entire lineup, judging by these spy shots of the next-generation Mazda3 that show some very familiar styling cues. No matter, we're impressed with what Mazda has done on the CX-5 crossover and Mazda6 sedan in terms of design, and we're happy to see the C-segment hatchback ditching the smile-for-a-mile Nagare design.

It's unclear what sort of architecture is found below the new Mazda3 – our spy shooters suggest that the car could simply be using a heavily massaged version of the Ford C1 platform found under the current car. Our best guess is that it's actually a reworked version of the platform used in the CX-5 crossover, however, chocked full of weight-saving Skyactiv technologies. After all, the CX-5 plays in the compact CUV segment, and those vehicles are commonly based on C-segment platforms. And besides, there's probably some economic savings at work with the new chassis – both in terms of fuel efficiency and economies of scale. Still, no one is totally certain what lies under all that black-and-white paper at the moment.

The new Mazda3 is targeted to arrive for the 2015 model year, meaning we could see a final production car debut as early as this year. We expect the hatch you see here to debut along with a traditional four-door sedan, and unless we hear otherwise, we don't doubt that a Mazdaspeed version will be far behind.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/2...ows-its-shape/

 

I'm very excited to see this. The design trend with the CX-5 and Mazda6 has been a smash in my eyes. Has it translated to sales yet? Not really, but just the fact these cars are getting smaller, more efficient, more dynamic, more innovative, and more fun makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

 

It looks good even under all that camouflage!

Idk about you guys, but I always thought Mazda had the most unique designs out of all the japanese makes. Hopefully the speed version will be intense.

 

^^ I always considered them the "BMW" of the mainstream Japanese automakers like Toyota, Honda and Nissan.

 

Very nice! The Kodo design theme is much more appealing. However, that's a long hood for a small car!

 

You considered correctly. For years, Mazda was known as the "Poor Man's BMW". Their system of developing chassis/driving dynamics (once known as "Kansai" engineering, but more recently replaced with the silly "Zoom-Zoom" slogan) tended to give them, even with FWD, more of a Euro-feel than the typical Toyota/Honda/Nissan/Mitsubishi product.

 

We have a 2011 Mazda3 and after shopping ALL of the competition, went with the Mazda primarily for the driving dynamics. There were other things we liked over the competition, but the car drives really nice. We'd buy another Mazda.

 

looks great!

 

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-...photo-5866444/

 

gotta give it up for mazda on this one. IMO its appealing as the first mazda3 that came out a decade ago. That long nose can stuff a v6 under there, or better yet, the mazdaspeed version

 

Navi screen looks nice and big. Bigger than the latest Mazda6

 

if it's anything like the front of the Mazda6, which it does so far, it's a hit...Mazda is on their A-game right now!

 

I echo the praise for Mazda recently. The only thing is that the sales don't reflect it. But I think with the arrival of the new 3 this year and their recent advertising push, they will begin to increase sales again. I saw Ironman 3 this weekend and Mazda was advertising the new 6 quite heavily with their new Game Changers campaign. Anyone else see that?

 

The nav screen makes it so the 3 and CT are even more alike!

 

looks good -- glad they're going from.....