Now that we have seen the new generation Mazda6, the Japanese company is focusing on the development of the new generation Mazda3. The model is set to arrive late in 2013 or earlier in 2014 and will benefit from the company’s latest Kodo design language already seen in the new Mazda6 and the facelift version of the CX-9.
Despite the redesigned body being 10mm shorter and sitting 15mm lower than the current model, the 2014 Mazda3 has increased interior space thanks to a 60mm extension to its wheelbase and 40mm increase in overall width. The longer wheelbase is due in part to re-positioning the front axle 55mm closer to the nose of the car to also improve its on-road dynamics.
The next Mazda3, like the recently revamped 6, is a complete departure from the outgoing model, with virtually no lingering Ford DNA whatsoever. Following the anthropometric trend of gradually increasing size, the wheelbase stretches 2.4 inches to 106.3 and the width broadens by 1.6 inches, yielding 2.3 inches of front and 0.4 inch of rear shoulder room.
The 2014 Mazda3 is lighter than its predecessor and boasts disc brakes and a multi-link rear suspension on every trim. That means this thing should be fun to shuffle around. Stay tuned for details on the US-spec variant later today, including a lot more images of the good-looking hatch.
