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After all the spy photos, the guessing game has come to an end as Mazda unveils the 2014 Mazda3. Sporting the brand's 'KODO' design language, the new "3" has a similar fascia as its bigger brother, the Mazda6. The bulging wheel arches, dual exhaust pipes and black insert at the rear bumper add an aggressive touch. The Mazda3 hatchback measures 4,465mm by 1,795mm by 1,450mm (L x W x H) with a wheelbase that spans 2,700mm. This makes the car longer than class rivals such as the Toyota Auris, Ford Focus and VW Golf. A sedan version would be launched at a later date. In the U.S., the new Mazda 3 is available with a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G that produces 155bhp and 203Nm of torque or a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G developing 184bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both models can be chosen with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. In other parts of the world, the new Mazda3 will be offered with an initial choice of three petrol engines and a diesel power plant. These include a 99bhp 1.5-litres petrol, two 2.0-litre petrol with 118bhp or 163bhp and the 148bhp 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D. The 1.5-litre and higher-powered 2.0-litre units are only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The Mazda3 has an array of safety systems which include High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Obstruction Warning, Smart City Brake Support and Radar Cruise Control. Stopping power is provided by ventilated front and solid rear discs. The new model is supported by a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup.

Mazda has collaborated with Microsoft to launch a new model on the Xbox consoles. The launch will take place in New York on 26th June and will be broadcasted via Xbox Live. Xbox Live is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft. Mazda is keeping mum on the new model but it would most likely be the all new 2014 Mazda3. This is an important model for the Hiroshima automaker as it is their bread-and-butter car. "It's a digitally connected world, so what better way to reach our customers than through a connected platform like Xbox. We were looking for a way to launch a global product and tie together our five separate reveals (in Melbourne, St. Petersburg, Istanbul, London, and New York City). Xbox not only gave us the platform, but allowed us to leverage our digital assets to drive a global audience to view the event," commented Russel Wager, Mazda (US) Vice President of Marketing. Separately, a photo (above) of the new Mazda3 without camouflage has appeared on a Russian Facebook account. It seemed authentic and matches the styling details of the camouflaged prototypes that were captured before. But it wouldn't be long before we see the actual product.

After the launch of the stunning new Mazda6, the next model that we expect from the Hiroshima-based automaker would be the compact Mazda3. According to Automotive News, an online car portal, three Mazda dealers in the US revealed that the all-new Mazda 3 will be launched in fall 2013, which means September to November. The Mazda3 is the brand's best-selling model and will share the CX-5's new lightweight architecture. The new 3 is expected to be "Kodomised" like its bigger brother, the Mazda6. The above image shows a rendered impression of the next Mazda3. The arrival of the new Mazda3 will hopefully spice up the Japanese compact sedan market, which is currently at a high risk of being overshadowed by vastly improved Korean offerings such as the Elantra and the upcoming Forte. The new Mazda3 is expected to lose some weight and will be powered by a range of Skyactiv engines. Photo Credit: carscoop.blogspot.com

After the launch of the Mazda6 sedan, the automotive world is now turning its attention to the fore-coming 2014 Mazda3. Apparently, a set of leaked images has been sent to UK magazine, Autoexpress, in an unmarked envelope. When Autoexpress approached Mazda UK to clarify on the images, a spokesperson from the company commented that these are merely conceptual representations of what the next 3 could look like, and are not the actual production model. I have a feeling that these photos were intentionally sent to the publication. The leaked images showed that the new Mazda3 is heavily influenced by the brand's latest Kodo design language worn by the CX-5 crossover and the new Mazda6 sedan. From certain angle, the boot of the hatchback looked rather bulky and SUV-like. The profile of the sedan is smooth flowing and bears a resemblance to Lexus IS250. The convex belt line lends an elegant look to the profile. The controversial smiley face of the current Mazda3 has been replaced by Mazda's new corporate grille. The 2012 Mazda 3 is the first Mazda model to benefit from the brand