Precious little shown, but it’s got us interested.
Japanese carmaker Mazda made a rather surprising reveal at its recent Technology Briefing, showing off a new model that it’ll be debuting next month. The company isn’t pulling any punches, claiming the new car will mark the beginning of a ‘new era’ for the brand, though it doesn’t detail how the new car will do that.
But did you notice that all the SkyActiv-X compression-ignition engine mules were Mazda 3s?
What the teaser focuses on (rather annoyingly) is the design of the upcoming car, but reveals next to nothing. We reckon what we’re seeing here is a hatchback that draws design inspiration from the Mazda Kai concept, a theory strengthened by Mazda’s history of previewing production cars with concept cars that are about 90% production-capable.
The teaser shows off a C-pillar that one could definitely describe as chunky, while there are also doorhandles that look entirely conventional (and properly operate in a straightforward fashion too). We’d love to give you more details about the new car but unfortunately, there are no more details to reveal at this juncture.
What we’re hoping for with the new Mazda 3 is the production debut of SkyActiv-X, the new compression-ignition petrol engine range from the brand. SkyActiv-X takes tried diesel technology (fuel ignition via compression and not spark plugs) but instead burns petrol. As a result, expect an engine that’s characterful yet refined, responsive and powerful, and able to tout fuel consumption figures that would rival a garden-variety turbodiesel.
Be sure to stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more updates as they come.
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