Click above for a series of spy shots of the 2010 Mazda3.
We've been all but assured that the covers will be pulled off the next generation Mazda3 before the end of the year, possibly in Paris, with sales expected to begin in the Spring of 2009. So it was just a matter of time before we started seeing spy shots of the new Mazda3 undergoing testing. Our new friend Chris came upon two heavily-camoed prototypes in northern New Mexico and was kind enough to send them along for our inspection.
Chris points out that while it was difficult to snap photos of the mules at 80 mph, he was able to get several shots that tipped us off to their origin. The central-mounted binnacle on the dash has been a fixture of late-model Mazdas, and the CX-9 leading the parade pretty much confirmed our suspicions.
When the new Mazda3 is finally revealed later this year, expect a similar fascia as that found on the recently redesigned Mazda6, along with a few cues pulled from Mazda's recent run of "Nagare"-inspired concepts. Four- and five-door variants are planned, with engines spanning the range from 1.5- to 2.5-liters.
BREAKING: More Porsche Panamera pics surface![BREAKING: Automaker bailout agreement reached in Senate, still not a sure thing [UPDATE]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/billpass_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
BREAKING: Automaker bailout agreement reached in Senate, still not a sure thing [UPDATE]![LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_mazda3_live_la_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO]
LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept
LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion
Formula for Peace: Israeli and Palestinian drivers get on track
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Knight Rider: The Liveblog -- Season 1, Episode 8
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 HUMMER H3T Alpha
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
YouFaceTheTick @ Apr 8th 2008 7:55PM
It's a damn shame they killed the Protege and a bigger shame if the the next Mazda3 looks like the 6.
emazzoni @ Apr 8th 2008 7:55PM
It's a shame they couldn't snap any shots of the front but it probably isn't worth excessively speeding to get a glimpse of camo. I figure more spy shots will trickle out over the next couple months. The tail lights seem to resemble the Mazda 2 sedan a little bit . Also I am liking the dual gauge pod over the current gauges which, though nice, aren't entirely ideal. Oh yea and "dual" exhaust.
naggs @ Apr 8th 2008 7:58PM
5 years on the mazda 3 is still by far the best car in its class. it is the one car on the road that least needs a total redesign, they can only screw up a good thing.
mazda, do not change the formula AT ALL. got new engines? throw those in. just dont screw it up.
Hike15 @ Apr 8th 2008 8:11PM
could not agree more
the 3 is the best car in its class and hopefully mazda can only freshen and improve it
MikeW @ Apr 8th 2008 8:52PM
Yes.
The engines/transmissions needed replacing. The mileage of the Mazda3 is terrible. (and it has electric power steering)
Big brakes, check!
Good steering, check!
Now about space efficiency. What is with the transverse muffler? Is there going to be a spare wheel, or run-flats?
mikes @ Apr 8th 2008 10:43PM
Actually, the mileage of the 3 with the smaller 2.0L engine is quite good and competitive with the Civic. This is according to several reports of real world testing such as CR.
While cars equipped with the smaller engine are not as smooth as the larger 2.3L, they are still plenty fun to drive.
Of course, the addition of the new DISI engines can only help matters. The mileage of the 2.3L is pretty poor for a i4. It's actually comparable to some much more powerful v6 engines.
Seoultrain @ Apr 9th 2008 10:37AM
I have a 2.0 and get terrible mileage on it. About 25mpg. But it's really too much fun to care.
Travis @ Apr 9th 2008 12:46PM
hmmm, it looks... bigger. and no, that's not a good thing. granted, it's been reported that since it'll be on the new platform, it has to get bigger, but why why WHY does everything have to get bigger, heavier, less fun to drive and less efficient??!? can't they just leave well the F alone, and not try to increase everything in size to match American's ever expanding waistlines?
If this does increase in size, they'd better bring over the Mazda2 that keeps the same formula as the current 3: lightweight, fun to drive, practical car that's an excellent value for the money.
Otherwise this'll go from being one of the coolest cars in the segment to being comparison shopped against a ford fusion. blech.
Sean @ Apr 9th 2008 12:46PM
Perhaps you should drive a little calmer.
I know people who get 45+ in their 3's, and when I drive smartly I can get 35+.
Jrejre @ Apr 8th 2008 8:05PM
Totally agree. I don't think the 3 needs to adopt any styling from the 6. Whereas they made the 6 more luxurious looking with sporty elements, the 3 needs to gain more sporty elements.
Bring on the kabura.
Seminole @ Apr 8th 2008 8:11PM
My wish list for the new 3:
1) Keep most of it the same
2) Put in a nice fat steering wheel like in the GTI. I just like nice hefty steering wheels.
3) Better fuel economy on the larger engines
4) Don't jack the price up too much.
If Mazda can do that, I think they'll have a winner.
Seminole @ Apr 8th 2008 8:11PM
And by same, I meant same formula.
matt.pettersen @ Apr 8th 2008 9:23PM
I don't get why people keep complaining about the mileage on the Mazda3 2.3L engine. My 2005 Mazda 3 5-door has 85,000 miles and I consistantly average 29-30 mpg.... and I drive the hell out of it. I cruise on the highway between 75 and 85mph. I wait till at least 4k RPM before shifting. To me, having a car with as much space as the 3 HB, that is incredibly fun to drive, that averages 30mpg..... That's pretty hard to beat.
Seminole @ Apr 9th 2008 9:13AM
You must be pretty lucky then, I have friends who average 22-24 combined. Motor Trend only got 21.5 in a recent test as well.
PierreB @ Apr 8th 2008 8:36PM
If you compare the spy shots to the mazda 2 you will notice alot of similarities, such as, short front. I don't think the spy shots are showing a mazda 3...
Xcountryflyer @ Apr 8th 2008 10:25PM
I don't think any version of the Mazda2 is going to come with dual exhausts like one of these cars has.
Wishful thinking.
Xcountryflyer @ Apr 8th 2008 10:43PM
I don't think any version of the Mazda2 is going to come with dual exhausts like one of these cars has.
Wishful thinking.
Rick @ Apr 9th 2008 12:23PM
I too thought it looked rather short for a 3. And to the other post, I believe there was a sport model of the 2 with dual exhausts? Can't recall exactly however.
sfast @ Apr 8th 2008 8:43PM
Most exciting
herculodge @ Apr 8th 2008 8:51PM
I agree that the 3 gives the biggest bang for your buck. Part of me wishes I would have got the 3 six months ago instead of my somewhat boat-like Maxima.