Mazda has released a new teaser video of what is
likely the all-new Mazda 3, which is slated to be unveiled in November this
year. During the company’s recent Technology Briefing, it was already made
known that a “leadoff batter” of its next-generation line-up will be making its
public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which coincidentally also takes
place in November.
As is the case with most teasers, you get to see
very little and are left with plenty of questions after you’re done. The
vehicle shown appears to be in the form of a hatchback and very closely
resembles the Kai Concept that was revealed at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Given
Mazda’s track record of converting its concepts into production ready models,
this isn’t much of a surprise to us.
For starters, the
C-pillar is noticeably large here and there is also a chrome surround in the
lower half of the side window. These features are exactly like what you’ll find
on the Kai Concept, although the taillights have been tweaked to no longer
include the light strip in the middle.
A shot of the vehicle’s side also shows conventional
door handles that appear to match those seen in illustrations that found their
way online recently. Based on those diagrams, the front of the new Mazda 3 will
resemble that of the latest Mazda 6, with the bonnet shutline now separated
from the grille and headlamps.
There’s no glimpse of the interior in the brief
video, but expect a diluted version of the concept’s design. The main dash is
largely uninterrupted, with an infotainment screen placed above it, while slim
air-con vents and various switchgear are located beneath. Things start to get busy in the
driver’s seat, with vents located on the sides of the instrument binnacle that
could features a digital display within. The centre console is reminiscent of
the concept’s, although the armrest is no longer skewed to the driver’s side.
