Mazda USA unveils all-new Mazda3, now with Kodo and Skyactiv

By Jason K. Ang July 15,2013

It’s the Mazda3’s turn to receive the Kodo-Skyactiv treatment, as Mazda USA has revealed the all-new 2014 Mazda3 hatchback. The new Mazda3 looks gorgeous. It is lower and leaner than the outgoing model, sharing almost nothing with its older namesake. Wheelbase has grown by 61mm, to an impressive 2700mm, while overall length has been shortened by 45mm, effectively pushing the wheels out to the corners. Mazda claims similar headroom with increased front and rear shoulder room and legroom.

Standard wheels for the States are 16-inch steel wheels, while higher models get 16-inch or 18-inch alloys. As with the new Mazda6, the 3 adopts a car rearward profile, with the windshield raked further down.

Inside, the 3 gets a new layout with symmetrically positioned pedals (to the left and right of the driver’s center line), with a hinged organ-type accelerator. The base of the A-pillars have been moved rearward for clearer sightlines, with door-mounted side mirrors. A heads-up cockpit display will be available, with a clear panel displaying vehicle speed and navigation directions popping up behind the instrument panel. Satin chrome and piano black are the trim materials of choice.

Efficiency is the game of the Mazda3, with 0.275 drag coefficient (0.255 for the sedan) using the active grille shutter system, which closes when radiator air is not needed to improve aerodynamics.  Mazda3 will be powered by a range of 1.5 to 2.5-liter gasoline engines, a 2.2-liter “clean” diesel engine (please bring it here), and with hybrid electric power (Japan only).  The 2.0-liter produces 155hp and a healthy 210Nm, while the 2.5 produces 184hp and 250Nm. Six-speed manual and automatic will be the transmission choices.

Mazda’s i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration using capacitors (ala Toyota’s Le Mans cars) will make its debut on the Mazda3, potentially increasing the fuel efficiency by powering the electrical components.

In the USA, it will be available in eight colors, including the premium metallic finish Soul Red Metallic, and two all-new Mazda hues are introduced with Titanium Flash Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.

 

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.