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Mazda has officially unveiled the all-new Mazda 3, which will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2018. As the core model of the Japanese automaker lineup, the completely redesigned fourth-generation C-segment model is a showcases the latest brand technologies and second-generation Kodo design philosophy.
Starting with the latter, the new Mazda 3 is largely inspired by the Kai concept revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. This is not an exact exact copy, but the finished product is almost identical, especially when you look at the tailgate.
On the front, the sedan shares the same face as its sedan, with a long hood that opens into a more aggressive-shaped grille, which appears to have different mesh inlays depending on the body style.
A pair of thin projectors flank the shell and are connected by the well-known "wing" trim piece finished in chrome or matt black. Much like what we saw with the Kai, there are subtle protrusions on the corners of the lower deck, with a narrow air inlet, pseudo lip and front fog lamp housings positioned nearby.
In profile, the demarcation line between the sedan and the saloon is even clearer, starting with the large C pillars of the hatch that are strongly mitigated by the increased trunk section. The indicated wheel sizes are 16 and 18 inch sets.
As demonstrated with the Vision Coupe, Mazda stands out from the perceptible lines of characters. So, on the Mazda 3, the Japanese manufacturer has shaped the sides so that linear transitions to light and shadows create a "vortex effect" that you see between the front and rear arches.
The finer details include the presence of a roof-mounted spoiler on the tailgate and, if you notice, you will see that the chrome trim of the sedan is returned to the tailgate. The paint on the tailgate is also unique in the body style, and Mazda calls it Polymetal Gray.
At the back, both models feature rear lights with circular elements that look a lot like those of the Kai and are very different from those of the third generation car. The lower part is modeled on both cars, with slightly protruding sides framing the area hosting the license plate bracket and the reflectors / fog lights. Double exhausts are present on both models, although there is an extra black trim for the tailgate.
As this is the first time we see the sedan, the start section is distinctly different from the previous one. Less curvy than before, the boot now sports a small spoiler for the lips, while the repositioning of the license plate bracket creates a main area rather devoid of functions.
For the interior, Mazda claims to be incorporating the ideal "less is more" as part of its second-stage Kodo strategy. The dashboard is divided into two parts, an 8.8 inch infotainment screen placed in a small chest. The screen is isolated from the air conditioning control gear, which is placed in the alignment of the vents of the center and the passenger side. Further down, the center console houses the Mazda Connect infotainment system controls (with eight speakers), a shifter and a flat armrest.
At the same time, Mazda's driver-centric approach means that the driver gets his own set of vents on either side of the instrument's hood. There is also a brand new steering wheel design with a prominent (and salient) boss, while the graphics within the instrument's interior fit the minimalist style.
As elegant as it may seem, Mazda says the Mazda 3's new cab enhances the NVH over its predecessor by adopting a "two-walled" structure that leaves space between the body and carpet on the floor. Additional soundproofing materials have also been introduced, while the tires optimize the action of the upright springs and increased rigidity help prevent the transmission of unwanted vibrations into the cabin.
In terms of powertrains, the new Mazda SkyActiv-X compression ignition engine will be available and will be supported by the brand's M Hybrid system. Exact details have not yet been revealed, but we will update this space as more information flushes
The conventional internal combustion engines of the SkyActiv-G gasoline range and the SkyActiv-D diesel engine range will also be available. The first models include units of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 liters, while the oil burner has a 1.8-liter engine package. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive, which works with the G-Vectoring Control Plus system already on the latest CX-5 .
The new Mazda 3 builds on the company's enhanced SkyActiv architecture, with new front-to-back links that complement the existing vertical and side links of the previous body to form multi-directional annular structures. The MacPherson struts are used at the front, while a newly developed torsion beam is used at the rear, thus replacing the multi-link configuration used for the third-generation model.
The new skeleton has undergone dimensional revisions: the tailgate is 4,459 mm long (-1 mm from the previous model), 1,797 mm wide (+2 mm) and 1,440 mm high ( -10 mm). The sedan, however, has a length of 4662 mm (+82 mm), a width of 1 797 mm (+2 mm) and a height of 1 445 mm (+5 mm). Both also have a longer wheelbase at 2,725 mm (+ 25 mm).
According to Mazda, the new structure has an ultra-high strength steel ratio of over 30% compared to 3% of the previous model. This helps to create a stronger body to enhance passive safety, while a new standard driver's knee airbag and an interior energy-absorbing hood structure also contribute to this cause.
The i-Activsense active safety and driver assistance suite has also been strengthened, with a new driver monitoring system that uses an infrared camera and an LED to observe the driver's condition. Other additions include Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), a form of low speed adaptive cruise control.
"The all-new Mazda3 we unveil today marks the beginning of a new era for Mazda. The next generation of Mazda cars will enhance the value of the experience of owning a car. With these products, we will further increase the value of the Mazda brand and continue our goal of building strong relationships with customers around the world, "said Akira Marumoto, Mazda's Managing Director. The new Mazda 3 will be rolled out to global markets from North America in early 2019.
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