Mazda sharpens up its act on new 3

The new Mazda 3 has zoom-zoomed in – and it’s set to raise the bar in the family hatchback sector next year!

It’s off to a good start, too. The car is based on the class-leading Ford Focus, and blends these proven underpinnings with chassis expertise from the MX-5.

Refinement and cabin quality are high on the agenda for Mazda, so expect plenty of soft-touch cabin plastics and a layout inspired by the bigger 6. Launch engines will come from the Ford stable, with petrol units ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 litres and diesels from 1.6 to 2.2 litres.

As engineers made the latest 2 lighter than its predecessor, the new 3 is set to weigh less, too. Add in the liberal use of biodegradable materials, and it will be one of the greenest hatchbacks around.

Performance fans will be pleased to hear that an MPS model will feature the five-cylinder turbo from the Focus ST. In the Mazda, which is due in 2010, this will offer around 250bhp. And the discreet look of the current 3 MPS is set to be axed in favour of a more menacing design.

As our picture shows, even entry-level versions of the new car will look good, though. Teardrop headlamps curve down into a deep front grille and are flanked by wide wheelarches. A sharp crease runs through each door handle, and kinks above the side sills add drama.