Mazda3 Gets New Look, Adds Tech

Mazda Motor Corp.’s redesigned Mazda3 small car gets a range of new engines, available all-wheel drive and several advanced technologies.

The compact car is built on Mazda's new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, which Mazda says boosts dynamic performance compared with the current design. The new platform also is said to be quieter and provides a more comfortable and refined ride.

The hood has an energy-absorbing inner structure designed to lessen head injuries of pedestrians. Other features include 4-wheel power disc brakes and a suspension that uses front McPherson struts and a rear torsion-beam.

Borrowing styling cues from last year’s Kai concept car, the Mazda3’s exterior updates the carmaker’s Kodo design language with a focus on fluid curves rather than sharp edges. Mazda describes the sedan’s look as elegant and the hatchback as “emotive.”

The interior is highlighted by an 8.8-inch center infotainment display. The system is controlled via a dial located in front of the gear selector on the center console.

Five engines will be available in the U.S., including three gasoline units (1.5-, 2.0- and 2.5-liters), a 1.8-liter diesel and the carmaker’s 2.0-liter SkyActiv-X homogeneous-charge-compression-ignition. HCCI combines aspects of gasoline and diesel engines, functioning like the latter to ignite its air-fuel mixture through pressure rather than a sparkplug.

All engine options are paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic and awd are optional. Previous reports indicated that the car will offer a new mild-hybrid system.