Filed under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Mazda
2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Oct 8th 2008 at 9:24PM 
Click above for three high-res images of the 2010 Mazda3
Mazda has confirmed the time and place for the unveiling of its all-new 2010 Mazda3: November 19th at the LA Auto Show. In anticipation of the car's public debut, the Japanese automaker released these three images of the remodeled 3 sedan that reveal the car's new design. While the new 3 retains a similar shape as the current model with a high beltline and rear decklid, the new car sports a much more expressive face with a "smile" grille positioned low up front that's flanked by vertical air intake/fog light combos. The front fenders, likewise, are more distinct from the elevated hood and roll nicely back into the car's forward canted character line. Out back are bigger taillights embedded in what appears to be a larger trunk above dual exhaust tips. The overall shape is a logical evolution of the current car that combines current Mazda design elements already found on the RX-8, Mazda6 and recently refreshed MX-5. Mazda also tells us that the 3 sedan will carry over its 2.0L four-cylinder, but be joined by a larger 2.5L engine to replace the current car's 2.3L. As for the Mazda3 five-door hatchback, we'll have to wait until some time after the LA Auto Show for that, though we're hoping the new Mazdaspeed3 is not far behind.
Gallery: 2010 Mazda3
[Source: Mazda]
PRESS RELEASE
All-New Mazda3 Sedan to Debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show
HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that the sedan version of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan), fully redesigned for the first time in 5 years, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show*1 on November 19, 2008.
The covers will be pulled off during Mazda's press conference from 12:20 to 12:45 (local time) revealing the all-new Mazda3, the latest evolution of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit.
All-new Mazda3 sedan (North American specification)
Every element of the all-new Mazda3 has been developed for heightened exhilaration, with a more refined sporty ride, top class fuel economy and quietness. Environmental and safety features, based on Mazda's long-term "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" vision, aim to achieve a balance with fun-to-drive. Add in a new expressive face and Mazda's dynamic design elements, and the all-new Mazda3 is everything a driver could ask for in a sports compact.
The brand new version of Mazda's best-selling sports compact carries forward the heritage of Mazda and the pedigree of the current Mazda3. Since its launch in 2003, the current Mazda3 has sold approx. 1.8 million vehicles*2 in over 100 countries and has won more than 90 global motoring awards*3 to date. The Mazda3 accounts for almost one in three Mazdas sold every year.
Following the world debut of the North American specification sedan with 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines at the show, the five-door hatchback version will be revealed in line with Mazda's global sales schedule.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
FotoGenetix 9:50PM (10/08/2008)
i wanna see the 5 door but i like it, i think i found my next car
Reply
tennisdudeac 3:18AM (10/09/2008)
well, comparing this to the leaked renderings from couple months ago, the front looks EXACTLY the same, so I would assume that the 5 door model featured on it should be accurate as well.
link to the renderings: www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3-renderings/
Nellydesign 9:05AM (10/09/2008)
All I can say is, if you can stand to, wait the extra year for the all new Focus. Just trust me on this. Same platform and styling that's just...
Well, it won't look like a Pokemon. Don't get me wrong, this is going to be an awesome car, and between this and the Focus... all the other manufacturers are going to be running back to their drawing boards because they will so totally outclass everything else in their range it's not even going to be funny, just sad.
That is if Ford can avoid bottoming out their stock price in the next couple months:(
Dude 9:20AM (10/09/2008)
I want to see a Mazda3 coupe!
Mazda will never overtake the Honda Civic without one. Plus, "Zoom-Zooming" in a family sedan and hatchback has its limits on the "cool" factor.
94 taurus owner 3:36AM (10/11/2008)
@ Nellydesign
I remember you saying that you work for ford and that you know what the 2010 Taurus looks like just out of Curiosity,is it possible that you know what the next focus looks like?
and is it also possible that it looks better than the current Focus(which I actually like)?
Xcountryflyer 12:52PM (10/09/2008)
Mazda will never overtake Honda regardless of coupe or not. Honda and Toyota sell on brand name alone. However, that doesn't mean they can't increase market share or sales by stealing buyers. This is definitely evolution vs. revolution, but why mess with a successful formula? It is not the big change like the Mazda6 is. I am sure it will be a great drive. Zoom-zoom!
Kotse 12:59PM (10/09/2008)
Nice evolutionary design from the previous "3"...though imho the tail and headlights do look a tad huge for the body.
The Zoom-zoom just got Zoomier!...
Dan 9:51PM (10/08/2008)
Looks too Chrysler sebring.
Bring the hatch.
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dea911 11:17PM (10/08/2008)
You clearly must be blind.
MJL 12:46AM (10/09/2008)
Right on. I TOTALLY see the Sebring taillights.
Kaptain75329 9:52PM (10/08/2008)
I can breathe again - they didn't screw it up.
Like.. Damn.
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Mehul 12:31AM (10/09/2008)
Agreed.. Nice looking car indeed. C pillar looks exactly like the current gen though.
And the Chevy Cruze is outdated even before it arrives. It'll be interesting how it stacks up before this, the next gen Civic and the Euro Focus...
Tang 9:53PM (10/08/2008)
Looks nice. Maybe the trunk could be a little shorter, but I like it. Makes me wonder... get an 08-09 Mazda 3 or this 2010?
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Luis 2:09PM (10/09/2008)
@Tang: Patience is key...
Brent Worrell 9:55PM (10/08/2008)
Im confused. is this the new Mazda3 or is this the always smiling car that after awhile gets on your nerves??
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Ligor 9:44AM (10/09/2008)
i think it's the always smiling car that is already on my nerves
- could it be more feminish, i mean this car says nothing to the male ausdience on the looks, just might be an ok ride.
the new Focus will outdate this the minute it comes out, again if Ford doesn't fully collapse before that happens
Seminole 10:00PM (10/08/2008)
It kinda looks like a guppy. The overall profile seems the same as the current one. Not bad though, but its not setting my world on fire.
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Noah 11:14PM (10/08/2008)
Didn't you read AB's earlier post? Customers like angry faces on cars.
Noah 11:14PM (10/08/2008)
Didn't you read AB's earlier post? Customers like angry faces on cars.
mikkel 10:08PM (10/08/2008)
the back lights look very very similar to the concept fascination mercedes benz.
Reply