Mazda has confirmed that the all-new 3 will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November.
A teaser image suggests the fourth-generation 3 – targeting mass-selling family cars such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra – will be displayed in both hatchback and saloon form, although no further details have been revealed.
Previously, Mazda released a video stating the car would usher in ‘a new era’ for the firm. While it hasn’t said what this means exactly, it’s likely to focus on the debut of new engine technology that the Japanese manufacturer has been developing.
Diesel-like petrol engines
Skyactiv-X petrol engines are claimed to bring the efficiency of a diesel to gasoline fuel. Mazda says it will allow drivetrains to develop around 10-30% more torque than its current Skyactiv-G offerings while improving fuel economy by approximately one-fifth.
The brand has already stated that while all-electric powertrains are planned, its focus will remain on internal combustion engines for the foreseeable future. It predicts that 95% of its vehicles sold in 2030 will use a hybrid system.
The new 3 is also likely to usher in the next phase of the brand’s design language, and is expected to be close in appearance to the Kai concept that appeared at the Tokyo motor show in 2017.
More information about the fourth-generation Mazda3 is expected on 28th November, when the LA show opens to the press. Public days begin on 30th November and run until 9th December.
