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View Full Version : Report: 2014 Mazda3 to shed hundreds of pounds; diesel, Mazdaspeed variants possible


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10-01-2012, 04:46 PM
Filed under: Budget (http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/), Sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Hatchback (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/), Mazda (http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/), Diesel (http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/)
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According to Car and Driver, the next-generation Mazda3 (http://autoblog.com/mazda/mazda3) is set to undergo an extensive overhaul, similar to what the Japanese automaker has done with its larger Mazda6 (http://autoblog.com/mazda/mazda6) sedan.

On the powertrain front, expect the still-new 155-horsepower 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder to carry over. But since the next Mazda3 will likely shed hundreds of pounds thanks to the company's lighter Skyactiv-tuned platform (a good chunk of which will be shared with the CX-5 (http://autoblog.com/mazda/cx-5)), the 2.0-liter engine should return improved fuel economy and performance since there won't be so much heft to cart around. Currently, the 2.0-liter Mazda3 returns up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

C/D also states that a diesel-powered version of the compact Mazda3 is under consideration, as is a new version of the turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 (http://autoblog.com/mazda/mazdaspeed3).

Visually, expect the new Mazda3 to receive the full brunt of the automaker's new Kodo styling language. That isn't a bad thing, though - both the new CX-5 and Mazda6 are handsome vehicles, and we think the aggressive headlamps and upright grille will translate nicely to the smaller package. C/D has worked up a rendering of what the Mazda3 could look like in hatchback form with the new styling direction, so head over there (http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2014-mazda-3-rendering-and-information-news) to check it out.2014 Mazda3 to shed hundreds of pounds; diesel, Mazdaspeed variants possible (http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/2014-mazda3-to-shed-hundreds-of-pounds-diesel-mazdaspeed-varia/) originally appeared on Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com) on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds (http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).


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