Unofficial Picture: 2014 Mazda 3

This is the all-new Mazda 3 – a car you’re not supposed to see until next summer – shown in all its glory from every angle. Print-outs of these pictures were delivered to the Auto Express office in an unmarked envelope, and we’ve scanned them so you can take a look.

Mazda UK’s official line is that these are digital renderings, drawn up to show how the Kodo design language translates to new models, rather than a real car. Even so, they’ve been sketched by Mazda’s designers and give us a clear idea of how the next 3 will shape up.

The images show Mazda is planning to continue with the same range structure as the current car – offering a five-door hatch and a four-door saloon. The latter will compete with the forthcoming Audi A3 saloon, while the hatchback will face stiff competition from the new VW Golf.

You might recognise a number of the styling cues from the new Mazda 6 and the CX-5, but they’re given a fresh twist for the 3. The shield-like front grille, with its chrome trim that flows into the headlights, is a dead ringer for the 6, although the narrow lower intake and LED running lights owe more to the Takeri concept that previewed it.

Strong wheelarches and an upswept crease mark out the sides, while the rear gets floating tail-light clusters for a clean, uncluttered look.

Under the skin, the new 3 will benefit from Mazda’s fuel-saving SkyActiv tech, so expect it to be lighter and much more economical than the current car.

In the 6, the 148bhp SkyActiv 2.2-litre diesel engine emits just 104g/km of CO2, so this engine in the smaller 3 should produce less than 100g/km, yet deliver strong pace. A sub-90g/km version of the existing 1.6-litre diesel will also be offered. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express