After the Mazda 6 and CX-5, the Mazda 3 looks set to be the next model in the carmaker’s line-up to undergo a facelift. Thanks to Autohome, we now have a first look at just what those changes might be.
On the exterior, the 3’s front fascia appears to be revamped. A new bumper appears to be in place, which now links the upper and bottom grille areas. Even though various bits of car’s front is either taped up or unfinished, expect minimal changes to the grille and headlamps. Other visible changes include new fog lamp housings that appear sleeker than before.
Moving inside, the Mazda 3 retains its familiar dashboard (with MZD Connect display screen) and three-pod instrument cluster layout. However, the steering wheel appears to be new, featuring thinner bottom spokes compared to the current model.
On the centre stack, the dual zone climate control switchgear may differ from what we get here, resembling that found on the larger 6 sedan. However, this is nothing new because the China-spec 3 has always had this setup.
The more significant alteration takes place just below it on the centre console. That’s right, the handbrake is no more, replaced by an electronic parking brake, as seen on the CX-5 and 6. The new setup sees the Commander Control unit and gear selector pushed closer towards the centre stack as well.
Because of this, the centre console now benefits from additional stowage space (with a sliding cover), as well as a redesigned armrest/storage box, which should help on the practicality front. No other shots of the car were provided, but for now, what do you think of the changes made to the Mazda 3?
GALLERY: Mazda 3 Sedan High
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amazing how mazda was dead a few years ago and yet, it is now a huge seller and so famous. You think our bodohs in Proton can turn around the company?
Mazda was doing alright in Europe. Just seemed dead here.
Can. But only if it can find a dumb sugardaddy like Ford which allowed them to use their chassis & engine for 10 years while saving money to develop skyactiv. But mazda is small brand compared to toyota.
Imagine if P1 do it just like mazda, u zombie bashers wud be the first to condemn, harangue, and shout until u suffocate & keel over.
It was Mazda who did most of the engineering for Ford. In fact, Ford’s inline 4 Duratec engines are rebadged from Mazda’s MZD. And Ford’s inline 4 Ecoboost engines are still based on Mazda’s MZD, bolt on turbos MZD to be exact, whereas Mazda has moved on to Skyactic inline 4.
“The Mazda L-series is a mid-sized inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine designed by Mazda, ranging in displacement from 1.8L to 2.5L. Introduced in 2001, it is the evolution of the cast-iron block F-engine. The L-series is used by Ford as their 1.8L to 2.5L ‘Duratec’ world engine.
As of 2010, Ford is introducing a GDI turbo variant of the Mazda LF engine design as the EcoBoost 2.0L, using Ford’s own manifold and engine control systems. Ford plans to use the L-engine well into the future for their EcoBoost and Duratec 4-cylinder generations. As of 2011, Mazda will cease to develop the L-engine, to be replaced by SKYACTIV P-engine. At this time, Ford will be the only manufacturer still using the Mazda L-engine design.”
In other words they copied each other. Basher call it as RND. If p1 does like that, they call it piracy. They ask why after 30 years old still rebadge, copy other tech. Instead of calling jepunis as copycat as they also do rebadging, they call p1 bodoh as their parents themselves don’t have any respect to teachers and call them names too. They are product of wrong education, all start from homes.
Ford and Mazda form a partnership in quite a long time with Ford hold stake of Mazda share more than 30%.
It is not surprise that both company are working together for newer technology development.
Mazda develop a better company after splitting from Ford and their Skyactive technology giving surprises. Hope I can could afford a Mazda soon.
Looks like a Lexus spindle grille. But could just be stickers to throw off people.
Ford copied Aston Martin front…
Don’t tell me now Mazda wanna copy Lexus?
obviously its just a black camo tape
Well if you follow closely FL on other model, Mazda will retain its grill.
So it will not look like lexus grill, camo tape perhaps.
i hope for price change..to be cheaper than ever..
first glance I thought is Lexus….
The steering wheel looks the same as the new cx-9
Okay, they took away the ebrake fun factor before adding lighted switches to the doors? Really, I had no problems with the ebrake, just the lighted switches are missing.
I hope their sound isolation is improved