NEW 2014 Mazda 3

[neeldub]

Here are official pictures of the new SkyAvtive Mazda 3 based on the KODO design. It was launched today as part of a global launch party.

[FemGearHead]

I like the new body style more than the current style, however not sure I like the interior. One thing I love about my car is the waterfall like cascading center console. It feels comfortable and looks great. Not sure I like how the new center console is all bunched up. It reminds me of how the 2004 Acura RSX was like and that felt so cheap to me.

I guess I'd have to see the car in person to decide.

[yarb]

I agree like the outside not the inside, on my mk2 sport I like the display with the radio info and sat nav tucked away not something that looks like its been fitted as an after thought but I guess that's progress

[Willpower]

For those who like me who are having trouble visualising this as a right hand drive, I have flipped the images.

DISCLAIMER    This is a representation based on the provided images. There may be some variations in the actual finished product.






Is that a Head Up Display screen I see in front of the steering wheel in the first picture ? ?

[bignose1972]

Love the shape and sure it'll be a big seller for Mazda.

I'm glad they've got rid of that boot release button on the Mk II and gone back to basics.

I read in What Car that it'll be released with 3 x skyactive petrol engines (1 x 1.5 and 2 x 2.0) and just the same 2.2 diesel engine as the Mk II. Wonder why they're not releasing the skyactive diesel engine yet?

I'd love to upgrade but not too sure if my budget will allow.

[Vilius]

What puzzles me is the displacement of the 2.2 diesel engine. The skyactive one in CX-5 and Mazda6 new is 2191cm3 where the 2.2 diesel in new Mazda3 has 2184 cm3 - as much as the current 2.2 MZR-CD. Does this mean that Mazda silently reverted back from "new skyactive" to the older 2.2 diesel, refreshed with some "skyactive technology", for example, with lower compression ratio of 14:1?

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For those who like me who are having trouble visualising this as a right hand drive, I have flipped the images.

DISCLAIMER    This is a representation based on the provided images. There may be some variations in the actual finished product.






Is that a Head Up Display screen I see in front of the steering wheel in the first picture ? ?

I don't really see the point for the screen to be facing centrally. Surely the screen should be positioned so it is easy to see by the driver (ie skewed on the dashboard). Unless this also works as a TV so the passengers can watch a movie or something. Other than that I don't get it.

[neeldub]

i think the screen flips out electronically. Plus looks like the new 3 will only be available in hatchbacks

[Willpower]

.....................................Plus looks like the new 3 will only be available in hatchbacks

 That's me not getting one then.. LOL

[185sport]

According to Autoexpress there will be a saloon version as well.  Autoexpress also says the diesel will be the new one from the Mazda 6.

In addition this article claims that the upgraded infotainment system, i.e. the sticking up centre console blob, will also have a heads-up display, see the grey bit sticking up in front of the steering wheel.

[Willpower]

I have edited the above post to make the links work and to rectify the fact that the first link is from Autoexpress and not Autotrader.

............................................................

Is that a Head Up Display screen I see in front of the steering wheel in the first picture ? ?

In addition this article claims that the upgraded infotainment system, i.e. the sticking up centre console blob, will also have a heads-up display, see the grey bit sticking up in front of the steering wheel.

Ah Ha   thought so.   Interesting.

[185sport]

I have edited the above post to make the links work and to rectify the fact that the first link is from Autoexpress and not Autotrader.

Oops early morning brain fart, thanks

[hogi]

Yep, looks good and I don't mind the interior redesign, its a little 'sharper' and they had to do something - its an upgrade after all, so it had to change. Just needs a bit of getting used to for some.

What do people think of the grill redesign? To me its a big step forward and quite distinctive. I think Mazda have had problems with the front for a number of years, generally leaving the cars a bit anonymous(?). Well this Kodo design makes a bigger statement - but with shades of volvo within it do you think? Or is it just me? It will be interesting to see what they can do with that on the MPS version.

I like the comment from AE that it could be mistaken for a 6, which is a handsome beast but LARGE - it might be a problem if it were mistaken for a Micra for example!

Maybe one will be mine in 4-5 years when they trickle down into the second hand market 

[YoungTurk]

Externally looks fine but I don't like the new dash! I will not be rushing to upgrade for a while then... 

[inayellowshirt]

I agree with most that I like the lines of the body, but the internals seem a step backward except for the HUD. The media/sat nav screen looks out of place compared to the 2009 built in version.