Mazda3 hatch unveiled, will debut next week
by Alex Nunez on Nov 25th 2008 at 4:00AM 
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Mazda3 hatchback
The Mazda3 hatchback will be unveiled next week at the Bologna Motor Show, and Mazda has released five photos to help get everyone excited. The Euro backdrop means that the 5-door's engine lineup will include a 2.2L turbodiesel that's guaranteed to keep the EU carbon nannies placated. Up front, it wears the same moderately unnerving perma-smile as its sedan brother. Look for more info next week, and feel free to start mentally transforming it into the next Mazdaspeed3. We have.
Gallery: 2010 Mazda3 Hatchback
[Source: Mazda]
PRESS RELEASE:
World Debut for All-New Mazda3 Five-Door Hatchback at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show
HIROSHIMA, Japan: Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the new-generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008.
The second generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback follows on the heels of the four-door sedan revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
The new-generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback adopts the same characteristics as its sedan counterpart, offering sporty driving and a dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance.
Environmental-friendly qualities were top of mind during development, including efficient powertrains, Mazda typical lightweight engineering and amongst the best-in-class aerodynamics.
All petrol engine versions of the new-generation Mazda3 will offer even further advanced environmental performance, including the world's first vehicle catalyst to be constructed with single nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium.
The new engine lineup has been tailored for European customers and now includes the newly developed 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, just launched in the Mazda6. The new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is a high-performance clean diesel powerplant with top class output, fuel economy and refinement.
This new-generation diesel engine has outstanding emissions performance and complies with Euro Stage5 regulations. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also greatly improved compared to the current 2.0-litre version.
The all-new Mazda3 five-door hatchback will be revealed during Mazda's press conference at 09:00am on December 3, 2008 (local time).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jake B 4:08AM (11/25/2008)
My girlfriend is worried that her Speed3 will look drab once the new 3 comes out. I don't think she needs to worry that much.
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From My Cube 9:19AM (11/25/2008)
I really want to punch this car in the face to get rid of that stupid smile....
Alex 12:47PM (11/25/2008)
i'm looking forward to the new design coming out to bring the resale value down of the current Speed 3. I really want one but i'd like to get one for a little less.
JD 7:23PM (11/25/2008)
Yeah... I was a bit worried, but now I'm pretty happy I got my Speed 3 when I did, over the summer. It is a hell of a car, and I think the look is a little sharper than the new one. I like the new one, don't get me wrong, but... I like the current one a bit more, it looks sportier. I'm sure the new one will grow on me further, though. Especially when the new Speed comes out. I just hope they don't bring the scoop into production.
Glenn 3:00AM (11/26/2008)
That smile grill design has made these real "girly" cars. What the heck was Mazda thinking?
Torrent 4:11AM (11/25/2008)
Can't even do it.
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john 7:41PM (11/25/2008)
why do new version of perfectly good cars (new acuras...cough**) have to be ruined by it predecessors?
Rev 7:57PM (11/28/2008)
I agree with Torrent.
That front grill is a total deal breaker - almost as bad as a Honda interior. I thought the Mazda3 was a decent little econobox - my friend has one and I don't mind driving the thing at all, but there's no way I'd consider the smiley car.
FWD killed the MS3 for me, not a bad drive, but I can't stand driving FWD cars in the first place, the torque steer was a constant reminder of how little fun it is being dragged around by the front wheels. The stupid smile would have kept me from ever bothering to drive one.
noz 4:27AM (11/25/2008)
They could have done wonders for the exterior of this car.......instead it really really looks ugly. I hope this was merely a facelift and something better will come out soon.
The old car already looked really dated...this doesn't do much at all.
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FallenCow 4:55AM (11/25/2008)
Ahhhh run!!! It's going to eat me!
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Mobius_1 2:05PM (11/25/2008)
It just wants to "put a smile on your face"!
ken 4:57AM (11/25/2008)
I'm definitely digging the overall shape and the rear. Here's hoping the aftermarket or Mazdaspeed version can help with some rhinoplasty.
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Red 6:29AM (11/25/2008)
I was browsing through some pictures of this car on netcarshow.com yesterday and for some reason, I actually think it's starting to grow on me. I still prefer the current car, but this one has a better integrated grille/airdam than the sedan model. Besides, the early reviews say the car still drives very well. If that's the case, the aftermarket will take care of aesthetics.
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Snowdog 6:33AM (11/25/2008)
From the back, a mile evolution, mechanically a very mild evolution.
But from the front. Egads, someone let the kids Anime artist loose and he made it grin at us. Is that vomit I taste?
If you want a 3, run to your dealer for last years model.
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AntBee 6:46AM (11/25/2008)
DEAR GOD, NO!!!
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Silly Pickle 7:21AM (11/25/2008)
Maybe it'll look better in black. To hide its ugly face. That might be the only way to buy one now.
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Gavin 7:27AM (11/25/2008)
I'll have to wait for more pictures to give any opinion. The interior is a big improvement and I don't understand everyones aversion toward the front grill...It's better than Acura's.
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Martin 8:10AM (11/25/2008)
more pics on this german website:
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/neuer-mazda3_811016.html
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Brad 8:11AM (11/25/2008)
I'm sorry that Mazda felt that this was the way they wanted to go with the front end. This car was one of my top picks to purchase, until now. I'll have to see one in person to make a final decision but as of now I don't see myself buying one of these.
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ken_aisin 8:30AM (11/25/2008)
Open up and say.... AHH!!
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