Officially Official: Mazda3 five-door hatchback gets real

Mazda has officially taken the wraps off its five-door hatchback version of the redesigned Mazda3 at the Bologna Motor Show today. As you can see in the gallery of new high-res pics below, the Mazda3 five-door gets the same swoopy sheetmetal as its four-door brethren, including the super happy smiley front end face. What's new is an extended roofline that drops down at a steep angle to create a wagon-esque profile. With a D-pillar that kinks up at a swept back angle, the look is very similar to that of a Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix that's been stepped on by a giant. The new cargo capacity will no doubt be appreciated by families who can put every extra cubic foot to good use, and if the current generation Mazda3 is any indication, this will also be the basis for the Mazdaspeed model.
At the moment, all the specs for the new Mazda3 five-door hatchback are for the European market, so don't expect its new 2.2L and carryover 1.6L turbo diesel engines to be available in the U.S. Europeans will also have a choice of 1.6L and 2.0L gas engines, though we expect the U.S.-spec model to offer the same 2.0L and new 2.5L four-cylinder engines as the sedan. Check out the official press release from Mazda after the jump for more details and the high-res image gallery below for more shots of the new Mazda3 five-door hatchback.

[ Source: Autoblog (Mazda) ]

Spy Shots (Sort of): Mazda3 five-door hatchback

The styling of the new mazda3 is generally pretty good, with one notable and extremely controversial element: that happy-go-lucky smiling face. Still, we've yet to get an official uncovered glimpse of the upcoming 5-door hatch, so there may still be some surprises up Mazda's sleeve. Today we discovered the odd batch of "official spy shots" straight from the horse's mouth, Mazda that is. They show the upcoming hatchback as it sheepishly plays peek-a-boo with its sedan sibling through some beautiful European scenery. From what we can tell, that blissfully chipper visage is alive and well on the 5-door. The rest of the details, unfortunately, are still pretty obscured by all that effective black vinyl clothing.
When it finally is debuted at the 2008 Bologna Motorshow in Italy next month, the hatch's engine options should basically mirror those of the sedan's, which means the U.S. will initially get both a 148-horsepower 2.0L and a larger 167-horse 2.5L version of the MZR four cylinder engine. Could a Mazdaspeed3 be far behind?

[ Source: Autoblog (Mazda) ]

• Mazda3 hatch unveiled, will debut next week

Mazda3 hatch unveiled, will debut next week

The Mazda3 hatchback will be unveiled next week at the Bologna Motor Show, and Mazda has released a quartet of 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.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: 2010 mazda3 hatchback, 2010Mazda3Hatchback, bologna motor show, BolognaMotorShow, breaking, hatchback, mazda, mazda3, new mazda3, NewMazda3 ]

Rendered Speculation: Next-gen Mazda3

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.

[ Via: WorldCarFans ]
[ Tag: breaking, Ford, Mazda, Mazda3, Rendered speculation, RenderedSpeculation ]

Details on Mazda1 revealed

High energy costs and growth in emerging markets have automakers scrambling to downsize their product plans, and ultra-small transportation like the VW up! is bound to bring low-cost city cars to the masses. Mazda intends to be a serious player in this burgeoning segment and will unveil the Mazda1 concept in Paris this fall, expected to look like the sketch above and influenced by the Nagare design language.
Mazda promises that the production vehicle will be more "radical" in production trim, though it likely won't carry fuel cells and batteries like the concept. The automaker does plan on offering amenities like navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and the micro will have sliding doors and seats to make getting in and out easier. Mazda engineers are also working hard to make sure the Mazda1 is environmentally friendly, which means low emissions, small powertrains, and low weight. Fortunately, those very same attributes will also help keep costs down, which should help Mazda offer the vehicle everywhere from India and China to more developed regions like Europe and the US.

[ Via: Auto Express ]
[ Tag: Bluetooth, concept, ipod, Mazda1, microcar, navigation, paris ]

Mazda2 5-door spotted in California

Although we've seen the Mazda2 before in 3- and 5-door configurations overseas, the presence of it at a local car meet in Southern California had us once again speculating about its sales potential in the States. The fact that the meet was held at Mazda's SoCal HQ means that the car could simply be undergoing evaluation, but judging by the reaction of the crowd, we think this has better sales potential than the 2009 Focus that was parked at the other end of the lot. While the exterior looked pretty spiffy, the interior looked cavernous. Smart design, and a worthy competitor for the Yaris, Versa and Fit. While we've heard that Ford's version of this car, the Fiesta, will make it to our shores eventually, we still don't know for sure about this lovely little Mazda. Mazda keeps waffling. We'll keep our fingers crossed, especially knowing there's that Mazdaspeed2 in the mix, at least overseas. But that's where all of the magic seems to start nowadays so there is hope.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: Mazda2 ]

Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32

Everyone loves a good shootout and it's even better when the two vehicles duking it out are actually attainable. Enter the WebRidesTV crew who setup shop at our new favorite road course, the Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs, to run the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen R32 through their paces to see which vehicle provides the best bang for the buck in the hotter-than-hot hatch segment. While the performance and price discrepancy is rather high – the R32 is packing fewer ponies but comes in with a higher sticker – the reviewer is keen to point out that both models have their high and low points. The MS3 may put down better lap times, but the R32 might have it beat on interior accoutrements and a more Grand Touring demeanor -- as with any review, it comes down to what you value more.
You can view this newest review from WebRidesTV after the jump and check out their last shootout between the Roush and Saleen from last month.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: mazda,mazdaspeed3,r32,volkswagen,volkswagen r32,VolkswagenR32,vw,vw r32,VwR32 ]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda3 caught testing in New Mexico

We've been all but assured that the covers will be pulled off the next generation Mazda3 before the end of the year, possibly in Paris, with sales expected to begin in the Spring of 2009. So it was just a matter of time before we started seeing spy shots of the new Mazda3 undergoing testing. Our new friend Chris came upon two heavily-camoed prototypes in northern New Mexico and was kind enough to send them along for our inspection.
Chris points out that while it was difficult to snap photos of the mules at 80 mph, he was able to get several shots that tipped us off to their origin. The central-mounted binnacle on the dash has been a fixture of late-model Mazdas, and the CX-9 leading the parade pretty much confirmed our suspicions.
When the new Mazda3 is finally revealed later this year, expect a similar fascia as that found on the recently redesigned Mazda6, along with a few cues pulled from Mazda's recent run of "Nagare"-inspired concepts. Four- and five-door variants are planned, with engines spanning the range from 1.5- to 2.5-liters.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: ]

Mazda3 MPS to take on the Targa Tasmania, again

Mazda is heading Down Under to compete in the Targa Tasmania for its eighth campaign. The team, consisting of Rick Bates and Alister McRae, will be charging through the outback in one specially prepped Mazda3 MPS (or Mazdaspeed3 to those of us in NA). The 2WD Showroom Targa rules dictate that the vehicle has to remain somewhat stock, with the carpeting, power windows and audio equipment keeping things civil as the driving duo covers over 2,000 km during the six-day race. Naturally, the Mazda is outfitted with the necessary safety equipment, including a PCD roll cage, racing seats, five-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher, but the performance modifications are kept to a minimum. The MPS is equipped with upgraded springs and struts, brake pads, a new steering wheel, navigation equipment, cat-back exhaust (cats are still fitted), some additional ducting to cool off the brakes and a revised ECU. The race begins on the 15th of April and you can follow the teams' progress at Mazda Australia's Targa site.
Mazda's full press release is posted after the jump.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: mazda, mazda3 mps, Mazda3Mps, mazdaspeed3, targa tasmania, TargaTasmania ]

Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.
In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.
Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

[ Via: AutoExpress ]
[ Tag: mazda, mazda2, mazda2 mps, Mazda2Mps, mazda6, mazda6 mps, Mazda6Mps, mazdaspeed, mazdaspeed2, mazdaspeed6, mps, paris, paris motor show, ParisMotorShow ]

Mazda1 city car coming to Paris Motor Show

Mazda is finally going to employ the styling cues shown on its Taiki, Ryuga, Hakaze and Furai show cars with a supermini concept, due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The concept aims to slot in below the Mazda2 and may be the first production model to benefit from the Nagare design theme. Other models utilizing Laurens van der Acker's swooping and sculpted lines are expected to come to production in 2010, including the redesigned Mazda3.
Mazda also plans to unveil a small crossover concept at the Moscow Motor Show later this year, which will likely be based of the Ford Kuga and utilize the same Nagare DNA. This new CUV will be specifically designed for the Russian market, which Mazda maintains could overtake Germany as the largest market in Europe. But bringing this cute 'ute to the UK and the US is a possibility, as consumers continue to downsize their rides.

[ Via: Autocar ]
[ Tag: mazda, mazda concept, mazda1, MazdaConcept, paris, paris motor show, ParisMotorShow ]