Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchbacks, Mazda
Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda3
The current Mazda3 is proving pretty popular popular these days with sales up 28% so far in 2007. With new versions of the Mazda2 and Mazda6 having been unveiled already this year, the 3 looks to be the next in line for new skin. This photo that may or may not be authentic sure looks plausible. It features the prominent front fenders seen on other recent Mazda designs along with the swept back head lights and similar side glass shape to the current generation five-door 3. So far there's no indication of when we might see a new Mazda3, but if it does look like this it should build on the record of the current car. [Source: The Hollywood Extra]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris 12:36PM (10/15/2007)
zoom zoom popular popular
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A|Z 12:40PM (10/15/2007)
Here's a more plausible photo from the same source (T.H.E.): http://bp2.blogger.com/_XEEIzU0UA1M/RxMKxsFTsoI/AAAAAAAADRk/hq9M8H9XS2w/s1600-h/001.jpg
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mazdaeducator 7:46PM (11/21/2007)
There is no way that is a 3. It looks like a Mazda CX-5 to me.
Yago Bal 12:48PM (10/15/2007)
That's a photoshoped picture of an CX-7 on the 2006 Sidney Motorshow.
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g_david_in_boise 1:01PM (10/15/2007)
I don’t know how I feel about the front end/grill. It just seems a bit generic, lacking the depth of the current model. Otherwise, it like it.
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i hate trolls 1:05PM (10/15/2007)
Real or not, I can't say I particularly care for that m-b placed front logo, or the nose in general. Personally I think the current 3 looks great, this doesn't seem to follow the wonderful styling demonstrated in the new mazda6, seems like more of a downgrade.
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Sandeep 1:08PM (10/15/2007)
It's so clear that it's a photoshop; why did you even bother to post it as anything but a mazda fan's render?
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AlanzTalon 1:22PM (10/15/2007)
while I like the idea of grafting CX-7 styling onto the nose of the Mazda3, and it isnt entirely unlikely they go that direction....
that is clearly a photochop.....every cliche is there (fuzzy camera, weird coloring along seams, lighting seems to come from different directions) and the Mazda3 isnt due for a refresh for a few more years considering how hot it still is.
also, if the car has never been seen or even rumored previously, why would it be sitting on a turntable for the world to see? that isnt where spyshots come from.
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simianspeedster 1:39PM (10/15/2007)
I hope they don't go too far and ruin a good thing. IMO, the Mazda 3 in 5 door hatchback form is easily the best looking car in its class and its current design has been heavily influential on a number of competing models (like the new WRX).
I actually think the Mazda 3 hatchback is one of the best auto designs of the last 10 years regardless of the fact that it only costs $18-24K. Aside from some beautiful supercars and exotics, there are few "regular" cars on the road that I admire more from a design perspective.
No wonder my local dealer can't keep the 5 doors in stock!
-SimianSpeedster
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AlexP 2:00PM (10/15/2007)
...
What? I'm not digging it. It's like a micro CX-9/7. Taking a page from Ford or Dodge = nono.
But I'll have to see it in person.
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speedball3 2:25PM (10/15/2007)
The nose reminds me of a yaris...
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SPG 5:50PM (10/15/2007)
As this appears to be just a photoshop and not the real car I can only hope the update looks much like this.
Probably because I like the CX-7.
Even if that means I like myself a little less for that.
MUST NOT LIKE SUV's!!!
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Rick 6:38PM (10/15/2007)
Looks like a photoshop job. I was hoping the 3 would follow the 2's design lead (or the new 6 for that matter).
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mikes 8:48PM (10/15/2007)
Yea,
It really just looks like someone took a cx-7 and lowered it to a normal car's height.
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Christian 1:11AM (10/16/2007)
Picture it: Ford/Mazda Execs in Dearborn trying to decide whether the Mazda3 should be redesigned. They contact the design dept and ask them to doctor up some image. The pic is "secretly" leaked out onto the Internet. Ford/Mazda employees spent hours reading the public's opinions.
As a proud Mazda3 owner I would advise Mazda/Ford not to ruin a good thing. With Ford's financial state, you cannot afford to make a costly mistake. Here's a thought: add some more features, upgrades, power and maybe throw in a free leather package. Hell, bring the supped-up Aussie 3 to the States. The Mazda3 is beginning to have a cult following. Think of the 3 as a Miata...for men with...with more than 1 other person to haul around. Reminds me of the Subaru WRX - except for the fact that the Mazda is good looking.
Ford: Play your cards right/smart.
One possible improvement: Please make sure all the plastics on the car's interior are the same shade of black. Minor detail.
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Murph11 5:56PM (10/28/2007)
It's the CX-5 people...Google Image it.
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