Nother CarGuy

Described as the “dawn of a new era,” the redesigned model is an important vehicle for Mazda as it is their first car to use the Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture and the new Skyactiv-X petrol engine. The latter features a Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition (SCCI) system which promises to combine the best attributes of both petrol and diesel engines. Putting those items aside for a moment, the Mazda3 has a new interpretation of the company’s Kodo design language. The automaker says it has an extremely simple “single motion” to its overall form while also being elegant and expressive. Both the sedan and hatchback feature an evolutionary design, but the sedan is the real star of the show as it adopts a number of styling cues from the Vision Coupe concept. Starting up front, we can see a prominent grille with chromed wings which flow into slender headlights. Moving further back, there’s flowing bodywork and a dynamic greenhouse. The rear is also pretty sporty as it features an in...

Ladies and gentlemen, these are the very first spy shots of the upcoming 2019 Mazda3 hatchback. Scheduled to debut later this month at the LA Auto Show both in hatchback and sedan body styles, Mazda’s all-new compact model looks promising in these first spy shots. Photographers spotted a fully-camouflaged prototype in Europe during testing and even got a peek at its interior. Fortunately, Mazda didn’t bother disguising the cabin that much. As you can see here, engineers tested the all-new Mazda3 alongside a VW Golf and Audi A3. Furthermore, a current Mazda3 was also part of the test group. Both the bodywork and the cabin reveal clear influences from the Kai Concept, although the 2019 Mazda3 obviously looks a bit toned down in comparison. The new Japanese compact hatchback displays harmonious proportions and striking details. Those include the sharp headlights and taillights, the gaping grille, as well as the dynamic treatment of the C-pillar. All of the above are inf...

When Mazda released the first teaser video of the all-new Mazda3 last month, it said that the debut will take place in November. Now we know exactly when that will happen, as the Japanese carmaker has confirmed the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 30-December 9) as the venue for the world debut of its new compact models. We use the plural because, as you can see in the teaser photo released with the announcement, the 2019 Mazda3 will debut simultaneously as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The automaker says the 2019 model marks the beginning of a whole new generation of Mazda cars “that will deliver new dimensions of driving joy to customers around the world.” The fourth-generation Mazda3 will use the new SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture which is said to be stronger and provide better ride quality. Mazda says the new platform “enables people to make the most of their natural sense of balance,” suggesting intuitive handling characteristics. The new model will also...

The first photos of the Mazda Kai concept were released just ahead of its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. Designed to preview the next-generation Mazda3, the Kai concept is a stylish five-door hatchback which features a dynamic kodo design. Still, as so many concepts have proven time and time again, the production car will undoubtedly be less aggressively styled and stanced - no need to explain. On the study, the front of the car is dominated by massive grille that is flanked by recessed headlights and a prominent splitter. Moving further back, we can see flowing bodywork and muscular fenders. The unique styling continues up top as designers created a distinctive roof which has two large glass panels above the passenger seats. Other notable styling features include flush door handles, a dual exhaust system, and a small tailgate-mounted spoiler. While the exterior has a lot of eye-catching details, the interior is an act in simplicity. Drivers sit behind a three-sp...