Rendered Speculation: Mazda3 interpretation gets it all wrong?
The blokes over from AutoExpress tapped an artist to photochop the next Mazda3, supposedly utilizing sources within the automaker, and although it looks like an inoffensive evolution of the current model, we're somewhat doubtful that it's an accurate representation of what's to come.
Earlier this week, Automotive News sat down with Mazda's design chief, Laurens van den Acker, who said that the redesigned 2009 Mazda3 would take several cues from the Nagare line of concepts. All of the concepts featured a prominent five-point grille and "flow" inspired creases flanking the sides. In the rendering above, we don't see any of those elements. Instead, it's simply the integration of a few of the cues found on the new Mazda6 and its CUV/SUV siblings.
The Brits assert that the next 3 will be built atop the longer platform slated to underpin the 2010 Ford Focus, featuring a more spacious interior with higher quality materials, with a Mazdaspeed version (MPS abroad) that will utilize the 2.5-liter mill from the new Mazda6.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
GTPONY 11:14PM (4/05/2008)
Well... I know what the front end will look like and that's not even CLOSE. Forget the cx-7 styling cues, totally wrong direction. The front end had a large "5 point" lower grille and wheel wells like the new US spec Mazda 6. From the bluelines I have seen the new 3 introduce a new look for Mazda that the others (like the next-gen CX-7, CX-9 and forthcoming CX-3) will follow... not the other way around! Who were these "insiders" that helped the artist's rendering? I bet Mazda had them intentionally lead the artists in the wrong direction... pretty clever to make them believe it will look like CX-7. Just wait... the new 3 will really knock your socks off!
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seoultrain 6:39PM (12/14/2007)
my god, I thought that was a new CX-3 or something when I saw the picture. I'm certain Mazda will do better with their best-selling model.
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SilverAero 6:39PM (12/14/2007)
I kinda like it, not a dramatic change but should it be. windshield back looks Impreza, better front end though.
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HotRodzNKustoms 6:39PM (12/14/2007)
Looks like what would be born if a RX-8 shagged a Astra and it got it's nose squished somehow.
That's all I have to say about that.
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Kirk 6:43PM (12/14/2007)
Looks like they took one of the front 3/4 images of the new Opel, umm... I mean Saturn Astra and photoshopped it with a Mazda3 to get this look.
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iSpec 6:44PM (12/14/2007)
Looks like a Kia Ceed now a big seller in Europe(similar to Hyundai i30.
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Kia/Cee__d/4_kia_ceed_production.jpg
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AlexP 6:48PM (12/14/2007)
Uses all the new Mazda styling cues, matches (for the most part) that little spy shot we had...
Yep, that's it.
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Xcountryflyer 6:59PM (12/14/2007)
As long as it doesn't turn into the Impreza.
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johnnyb 8:53PM (12/14/2007)
I think you have it wrong, the Impreza is the new 3, I see no difference between the two.
adelossa 9:28PM (12/14/2007)
how can someone copy someone that copied them?
mojo 12:13AM (12/15/2007)
Yeah, except that from the front, rear, side, and interior the Impreza doesn't really look much like a Mazda 3 at all. The sedan sure doesn't look like the Mazda3 sedan and the 5-door doesn't look much like a Mazda wagon. Especially from the front and rear...
Andrew 7:30PM (12/14/2007)
I don't know. Maybe I'm biased because I just bought one... but I prefer the more conservative and handsome lines of the current generation. This is a bit too dramatic for my taste.
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Fred Rich 7:39PM (12/14/2007)
It's just a typical Auto Express chop - probably very wide of the mark. They have a habit of coming up with wildly speculative chops on weeks where the real 'news' is quite lacking. They are beginning to get something of a reputation for it in some circles. I really wouldn't take this chop very seriously at all.
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Seminole 8:22PM (12/14/2007)
Whoever made this picture needs to lose their photoshop privileges for life.
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mattsave_1 8:29PM (12/14/2007)
Saturn and Opel and Vauxhaul called. They want their Astra back.
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seeve 8:53PM (12/14/2007)
i like it.If they did a 4x4 with gti type gas mileage---then they would get the buyers who would not go for the speed 6
tankd0g 9:46PM (12/14/2007)
That does strike me as a mini-ute at first glance. Definitly not what I would expect in a Mazda3.
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Noidor 3:11AM (12/15/2007)
Hey guys remember this is an autoexpress.co.uk their chops aren't the most accurate ones. Thus, I'd wait for Heidfelt or whatever his name is. He has a terrific track record.
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B-NOIT 4:16AM (12/15/2007)
This is really just some kid's attempt at using Photoshop.
Or that's what it looks like, anyway. The next Mazda3 will blow us away (or so I'm hoping). Nagare!
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mikomi 8:12AM (12/15/2007)
It looks like the blended the current Mazda4, CX-7 and CX-9 together and downsized it. Not a bad speculation, but the proportions aren't right, the front is very long, in these pictures it looks like a mid-size wagon as opposed to a compact wagon.
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