Mazda3 5dr Hatchback Spied.... by Mazda

2010 Mazda3 Hatch Prototype Spy Photo

Debut in Bologna

By Thami Masemola
November 21, 2008 7:41 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Mazda, Spy Photos

Mazda has just debuted the all-new Mazda3 sedan and now the company has also released "spy" pictures of the hatch version, which have been taken by Mazda itself during testing. The hatchback is due for public unveiling at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show from 3rd December.

This second-generation Mazda3 sedan made its world debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show and seems to have wowed the motoring world with its more aggressive look. A clear Mazda by design, it shows a grille that seems to smile wider, and lines that follow Mazda's flying bird emblem.

Two body styles, namely a 3-door and a 5-door will be available at market launch, and performance is improved. At the base level the US market will get the 148bhp 2.0-litre four cylinder, but now Mazda6's 2.5-litre has been used in the Mazda3 too. It produces 167bhp and 168 ft-lb torque in the sportier Mazda3 S.

Not much has been done on the chassis side of things since the previous Mazda3 was already a stellar handler. To this effect subtlety has been applied in dealing with the suspension tuning. Steering feel has been improved, resistance to body roll increased while more stiffness has been applied on the front lower control arms, subframe and mount bushings.

Prices for the new Mazda3 range are expected to be announced soon.

 

Source: Mazda Motor Corporation

Comments

RussianMafia
November 21, 2008 8:05 PM
Best spy shots ever! :P Looks nice, hope the interior quality gets better.

machida
November 21, 2008 8:30 PM
Interior is nicer (on the sedan, but they'll be virtually the same) but nothing groundbreaking. Ugh, they kept the clichéd round taillamps on the 5-door. Wonder why, when the sedan and new 6 have a nice fresh new look.

Still the best overall packaging of any small car. Wish Honda made a 5-door Civic...

sub39h
November 21, 2008 11:12 PM
... Honda DO make a 5 door Civic

machida
November 21, 2008 11:59 PM
Yes, you are correct... I meant for the US market, and one that was more wagon-like like the Mazda3. Pardon my US-centric viewpoint! For some reason automakers think we don't like wagons and useful hatches here.

joshg_5
November 21, 2008 9:33 PM
AWD for MS3???????!?!

kobear66
November 21, 2008 10:56 PM
"Two body styles, namely a 3-door and a 5-door will be available at market launch,..." Does that mean Mazda is really bringing a 3 dr version of the Mazda3? Or was that a typo meaning they are really launching the "4" door and a 5-door at market launch. It'd be great to see a 3-door version of the Mazda3.

joshg_5
November 21, 2008 11:23 PM
AWD 3-Door MS3 would steal my heart away from sti/evo

Tuner_Mad
November 21, 2008 11:59 PM
A 3 door 3 MPS version? This will be great! another addition to my modern-day faves (umm, too long to list... Mainly Euro/JDM tuners, hehe.) and soon this too! Oh, nice hi-res spy shots Mazda!

BabyMilo
November 22, 2008 2:21 AM
it looks very long

GONDOR
November 22, 2008 10:03 PM
nice move from Mazda

and very nice car indeed

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