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.
[Source: burlappcars via WorldCarFans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
SilverAero @ Jun 30th 2008 2:01PM
This gets a Yeah Right factor of 9.5. Looks great though, like an Asian Alfa.
Micah @ Jun 30th 2008 3:15PM
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)
MrMorix @ Jun 30th 2008 2:01PM
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.
speedball3 @ Jun 30th 2008 3:01PM
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 @ Jun 30th 2008 2:03PM
two words:
way off.
John R @ Jun 30th 2008 2:03PM
I'm not gonna lie...this speculative rendering looks like an RX-8 with down syndrome (no offense to those with down syndrome).
alienonmar @ Jun 30th 2008 2:05PM
Awesome!
G_Money @ Jun 30th 2008 2:10PM
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.
theshadow @ Jun 30th 2008 2:13PM
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.
Doug @ Jun 30th 2008 2:15PM
Interesting. This is a clean look, but I think it will actually have those monster-bulbous fenders like the RX-8.
Dude @ Jun 30th 2008 2:19PM
Not even close. You sir, fail at speculating.
SPG @ Jun 30th 2008 2:20PM
If Mazda can make this Alfa looking beauty I'll be amazed.
And totally loving Mazda.
nomasshyguy @ Jun 30th 2008 2:27PM
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.
DCragtop @ Jun 30th 2008 2:27PM
The front looks like Mater after a make-over. Still purdee though...but that emblem will not last long in that location. Thaaaankeew
Brad @ Jun 30th 2008 2:28PM
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.
Hakim Iddeen @ Jun 30th 2008 2:43PM
.....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.....
Albert @ Jun 30th 2008 2:38PM
There design part hasn't changed a lot when compared to the old Mazda 3 version.... however i hope that they would have upgraded in any way....check out his old Mazda 3 review for getting an insight of what i was trying to say... http://www.buyingadvice.com/mazda-mazda3-2008-review.html
Kitko @ Jun 30th 2008 4:23PM
About the average reliability, well, I don't know what forms the J.D. Power's folks opinion, but certainly not scientific data.
According to German (sic!) TUV industrial audit body (it's the largest organization of its kind in the world), Mazda3 is the most reliable car you can buy in Europe. US Mazda3 is made in the same factory in Japan so there should be no difference unless you guys getting B-quality stateside :-)
TUV gathers data from dealers, independent garages etc. (minimum 10,000 cars per model). The resulting list is based on number of serious faults within first 2-3 years. No other car has ever achieved such a result. See the links for details on data and methods.
http://www.tuvamerica.com/tuvnews/hotnews/pressdetail.cfm?id=1391
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/3562/mazda2-and-mazda3-dominate-german-reliability-survey/
Albert @ Jun 30th 2008 2:39PM
There design part hasn't changed a lot when compared to the old Mazda 3 version.... however i hope that they would have upgraded in any way....check out his old Mazda 3 review for getting an insight of what i was trying to say... http://www.buyingadvice.com/mazda-mazda3-2008-review.html
Chase @ Jun 30th 2008 2:39PM
Love it!