Rendered Speculation: Next-gen Mazda3
by Chris Shunk on Jun 30th 2008 at 1:55PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of Mazda3 renderings
The Mazda3 has been a compact darling ever since its introduction in 2004, and even though its current design is nearly five years old, it still wins many comparison tests. Since its near the end of a design cycle, a new Zoom Zoom Mazda is on its way, and some interesting renderings have been published online of what the new Mazda3 could look like.
The design theme is decidedly Mazda6-based up front, with similarly angled LED headlights and the same basic shape, but this unofficial Mazda3 is far more "in your face." The large front air dam looks more like something from the MazdaSpeed collection, and its large opening doubles as the Mazda3's grille. The side view features clean, flowing lines and the same basic shape as the current Mazda3 hatch. Out back, football-shaped LED taillamps give this rendering a touch of class, and the similarly-shaped in-set dual exhaust looks like a concept-only touch. Due to the surprising success of the current model, the next Mazda3 has to be very, very good or it will be a big disapointment. If the next 3 looks as good as these renderings, we wouldn't be disappointed at all.
Gallery: Mazda3 Rendered Speculation
[Source: burlappcars via WorldCarFans]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
SilverAero 2:01PM (6/30/2008)
This gets a Yeah Right factor of 9.5. Looks great though, like an Asian Alfa.
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Micah 3:15PM (6/30/2008)
Completely agreed italy meet japan...
It'd be a good looking car though. (even if they would have to tone it down for the masses)
maestromario 6:36PM (6/30/2008)
North america will probably get a toned town version with a bigger and heavier body equiped with the new Mazda6 2.5l 4cyl. (This is my speculation ;-)
MrMorix 2:01PM (6/30/2008)
I don't like it... I hope this is "just" a concept and not an inclination of the production type. The rear has too many similarities to the Subaru hatch. The front snoz is stylish thou.
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speedball3 3:01PM (6/30/2008)
Agreed. The hatch looks like a Tribeca. A bit ironic considering some accused the Subaru Impreza hatch to be too much like the Mazda3. I hope the real Mazda3 turns out better.
steve-o 2:03PM (6/30/2008)
two words:
way off.
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John R 2:03PM (6/30/2008)
I'm not gonna lie...this speculative rendering looks like an RX-8 with down syndrome (no offense to those with down syndrome).
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alienonmar 2:05PM (6/30/2008)
Awesome!
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G_Money 2:10PM (6/30/2008)
WHy do you give this guy credit in your post as a source, when HE GIVES NO CREDIT TO ANY OF HIS POSTS. You see nothing but stolen images and stories that Ive seen days before on other blogs, on his blog with no citations what so ever. Dont do the guy a favor.
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Rick 6:58PM (6/30/2008)
Interesting design challenge the US licence plate will pose.
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theshadow 2:13PM (6/30/2008)
Looks a LOT like the "rendered speculation" version of the new NSX! LOL
Based on that, destined to continue to be excellent value for money. And, FWIW, it looks pretty good on its own merit.
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Doug 2:15PM (6/30/2008)
Interesting. This is a clean look, but I think it will actually have those monster-bulbous fenders like the RX-8.
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Dude 2:19PM (6/30/2008)
Not even close. You sir, fail at speculating.
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SPG 2:20PM (6/30/2008)
If Mazda can make this Alfa looking beauty I'll be amazed.
And totally loving Mazda.
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nomasshyguy 2:27PM (6/30/2008)
didn't the photos of the new 3 appear in left lane news a few weeks back under heavy camoflauge. i hate speculation. serves no point.
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DCragtop 2:27PM (6/30/2008)
The front looks like Mater after a make-over. Still purdee though...but that emblem will not last long in that location. Thaaaankeew
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Brad 2:28PM (6/30/2008)
This car is definitely on my radar screen. I've been waiting to see what the redesign is going to look like.
I know this is just a "speculation" but if it comes in close to this I really will like it. The only thing is that rear window is a tad bit too small.
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Hakim Iddeen 2:43PM (6/30/2008)
.....and the grill is a little too low for my tastes. I hope it takes some styling cues from the 6- if this is just a concept.....
Chase 2:39PM (6/30/2008)
Love it!
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Gargamello 2:51PM (6/30/2008)
I think this next gen Mazda 3 prototype looks great, small and sexy and will probably handle well, and the price will probably be reasonable.
However I will not buy one because I am your average Joe with a couple of fat kids and I myself am extremely overweight and would never fit in such a little thing. Also my very large wife collects cats and we take all 27 of them on every trip we make and they would never fit.
And although we don't ever actually do it, I dream every summer of making a cross country journey and any vehicle we purchase will have to accomodate said family and belongings, plus enormous buckets of soda for my raging corn syrup addiction.
Finally I have two jetskis and a large speedboat that I don't actually use but if I wanted to get off my big behind and take them out this weekend, I'd need to have a vehicle capable of towing them all. Preferably at once up a steep mountainside. Even though I live in Des Moines.
Oh and I almost forgot my next vehicle needs to have a big honkin V8 so I can brag about it at the bar to my other buddies who also overcompensate for their beer bellies with autos whose enormous engines make gigantic rumbling sounds and drink oil fields whole.
All these reasons are why this sexy stylish little car is woefully inadequate for my needs as a proud American. Thanks for trying though Mazda! Think bigger.
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