Spy Photos: Mazda3 sedan wearing skin-tight camo
by Jonathon Ramsey on Sep 17th 2008 at 1:29PM 
When is camo not really camo? When it's black and white tape stuck to the body of the 2010 Mazda3 sedan. The new 3 was recently caught in the U.S. and the new front end is essentially a reworked version of the Mazda6's, with a grinning, two-piece grille split by an angular bumper. Notice the bulges and fairings around the foglamps next to the lower grille, and the way the stretched headlights and flared fenders turn the hood outline into a wild polyhedral. The sculpted leather seats and roomy cabin look a treat as well. Assuming Mazda won't jack up the price or sink the driving dynamics, this could exceed the success of the current car. We'll bring you the full story from the LA Auto Show in just about sixty days. Thanks for the tip, Kris![Source: Auto.cz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SteveJ 1:48PM (9/17/2008)
I'm a bit disappointed because the styling looks like it didn't change much from the current model. Don't get me wrong, I love the current model, but this one looks too similar. And the Mazda badge looks like it will be huge! I prefer them a bit smaller, but it won't stop me from buying one of these.
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No Welfare for GM 1:56PM (9/17/2008)
Hey if it still looks cool, and the innards of the car change for the better, meaning more HP, more MPGs, more safety, better interior, it will be a HUGE winner.
If this car can get 6-5 more MPGs, it will grab the market.
BoneHeadOtto 2:37PM (9/17/2008)
the front end will look pretty different. There will be no grill above the bumper and a large smiley grill on the bottom. Im not so sure i will like the big grinning grill. Really all the 3 needs though is to put the smaller motor in the hatch, and improve the mpgs (mazda start stop tech with a manual please).
Hopefully they also will not wait years to re-introduce the speed3
HL 2:49PM (9/17/2008)
Wow, I hope that's not really the case. I'd much rather it has the 6's grille.
Kumail891 1:49PM (9/17/2008)
glad to see that the mazda 6 had some effect on it. can't wait for it to come out.
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Mr_Pie 1:58PM (9/17/2008)
i see a hint of mazda 2 in there too
and maybe some of that facelifted mx-5
id say mazda styling has been really cool recently
Seminole 1:51PM (9/17/2008)
The greenhouse and overall shape look a lot like the current one. Seems like they just slapped on a new front bumper and taillights. Oh, and I hate that over pronounced front wheel arch.
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xcrunk 1:52PM (9/17/2008)
Although, I don't care much for the sedan version, you can definitely pick up on the styling cues from the NEW Mazda 6, front fenders and that center line across the side of the car. Headlights are the same as the 6 same with the taillights. You can tell there is a huge badge where the faux tape grill is, look at that huge bump.
The sedan still retains that stocky, squat-like look to it. Bring on the hatchback!!
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Hello 1:58PM (9/17/2008)
I am very eagerly anticipating the reveal of the new 3. The thing is, I'm so so tempted to get the current Mazdaspeed 3. It just seems so amazing and like something that won't be replicated for some time. Then again, the Saab 9-1 is coming, the Chevy Cruze is coming, the Ford Fiesta is coming... All very different cars but the dilemma is what do I need and want, truly....
At any rate, the new 3 is looking good beneath that camo, and the taillights in particular are looking sexy. If they make the engines more powerful and efficient I might just get one over the somewhat dated looking speed 3.
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JD 3:51PM (9/17/2008)
I just got a Mazdaspeed3 about 2 months ago, and if you haven't driven one- go get a test drive. It's an awesome machine at a door buster price. However, if you actually don't want one, don't test drive it- it was love at first shift for me, and it probably will be for you too. :)
It's not the most civilized car, with it's torque steering antics, but damn, it's fast, and it's fun as hell. It's great to shut down mustangs and SIs like they're nothing at all. I needed a new (and only) car, so the speed 3 fit the bill- room for people, cargo, and fast. But remember: get the GT package. It's the best deal you'll ever find for suede seats, HIDs, and a pretty good stereo, which you'll want since the system is far from a standard size. My guess is they'll follow the same pattern they did with this generation: 2 years of Mazdaspeed on one model, two years on the next, etc. I bet the 6 will get the speed treatment first, so the 3 might not be this fast for a few years after this one's done.
why not the LS2LS7? 1:58PM (9/17/2008)
Looks like a Fiesta to me. Ho hum.
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Torrent 6:08PM (9/17/2008)
I wouldn't be surprised if they looked almost exactly the same.
Cire 2:08PM (9/17/2008)
This is one of the few times that an evolutionary design is entirely appropriate. The current Mazda3 is still a great looking and class leading design even after 6 years on the U.S. market. The design doesn't require a revolutionary change. This redesign will be successful if Mazda can update the current exterior shape with details that will keep it current and fresh while making improvements to the interior, powertrain, and mechanicals. That is all that this car needs.
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HL 3:00PM (9/17/2008)
IMO the rising beltline looks great on the sedan, but not so good on the hatchback - the rear side windows looks to be squeezed badly.
The front end of the car in the spyshots matches the rendering on http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/2010-mazda3-revealed-by-a-toy-not-really-but-kind-of/
As the owner of a current 3 hatch I really hope it'll look better in the flesh.
jte 3:14PM (9/17/2008)
Where is the new 5-door? Also the hatch needs the option of 2.0 or 2.5 engines.
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Iridium 3:52PM (9/17/2008)
It is just a refresh like the current 6. Still the same old platform underneath with new metal on top of it. What that means is that overall interior dimensions will be the same and the driving dynamics won't be better.
That said the 3 is already a very capable machine and was ahead of nearly every other car in its class when it came out. Other than the Focus the other cars haev caught up with new generations. Where the 3 was a generation ahead for a year or two it is now equal or behind.
I'm sure Mazda wanted to make a truly updated version but Ford wouldn't have it. Just like the 6 that still needs to be made on the same production line that makes the Fusion. The Eurospec 6 can't be made alongside so we get new metal on top of an ancient, in car terms, platform.
The front grill looks to have a baby 6 look. The taillights and rear don't look very good. A negative aspect of trying to infuse sleeker elements of a new design within the dimensions of the old design.
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SteveJ 5:37PM (9/17/2008)
Since Los Angeles is occurring the same time as some other shows, do you think this car will make it? Will it be in Phoenix or Vegas, or will I have to fly to LA?
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Sid 6:01PM (9/17/2008)
After seeing what Acura did to the TL/TSX and what BMW did to all of it's cars...I'd be VERY happy with a simple mild update!
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