Images of what is purported to be the new Mazda3 have been spotted in a Japanese motoring magazine.
If the images are legit, it has to be said that Mazda’s Kodo design language, first seen on the CX-5, appears to have translated well onto the C-segment hatchback.
Initial reports suggest that the all-new car will be underpinned by a shortened version of the lightweight SkyActiv platform currently underpinning the CX-5. Taking a leaf out of the Golf 7’s book, Mazda is believed to have employed a number of measures to pare the kerb weight down to around 1 250 kg.
Expect the company’s 2,0-litre SkyActiv engine (114 kW/200 N.m) to feature, possibly along with a 1,6-litre petrol unit, to cover the petrol range and a 2,2-litre turbodiesel a bit later in the model’s lifecycle.
Although there’s no official word regarding an official reveal date, it’s expected that the 2014 Mazda3 will make an appearance at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.