Should be offered with the 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder

Mazda is gearing up for tomorrow's unveiling of the 2014 Mazda3 by releasing a new teaser image on Facebook.
The picture doesn't reveal much, but it shows the car will have a prominent grille that clearly echoes the Mazda6. Previous spy photos have also shown the model will have a Kodo design with muscular fenders, a distinctive greenhouse and a sloping roofline. We can also expect a protruding tailgate and a dual exhaust system.
Little else is known about the model but it is expected to be based on the same platform that underpins the CX-5. This means we can expect a more accommodating cabin as well as a sizable reduction in weight.
Engine options remain unconfirmed but one likely candidate is the 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder that develops 155 bhp (115 kW) and 150 lb-ft (203 Nm) of torque. It will likely be offered with a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.

 

BREAKING: 2014 Mazda3 fully leaked

Sleek and attractive

The all-new 2014 Mazda3 has leaked online ahead of an official reveal scheduled for later today.
It turns out previous leaked photos were authentic as the Mazda3 adopts the same Kodo design language seen on the larger Mazda6. It comes with a prominent front grille, sweptback headlights and muscular front fenders. The back of the car shows a roof-mounted spoiler, dual exhaust setup and wraparound tailllights. The new generation is 4465mm long, 1795mm wide and 1450mm tall, with a 2700mm wheelbase. With the rear seats up it has a 350-liter cargo capacity which can be expanded to 1,250 liters after folding the rear seats.
The 2014 Mazda3 will be offered with a SKYACTIV-G 1.5-liter engine developing 100 HP (74 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm which will be enough for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 113 mph (182 km/h).
There's also a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter mill rated at 120 HP (88 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm. Fitted with this engine, the new Mazda3 will sprint to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 121 mph (195 km/h).
The same engine is offered with i-ELOOP (regenerative braking system) producing 165 HP (121 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm. It will need 8.2 seconds until 62 mph before hitting a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
Lastly, the 2014 Mazda3 will be available with a SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine generating 150 HP (110 kW) at 4,500 rpm and a peak torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) at 1,800 rpm. 0-62 mph takes 8.1s and top speed stands at 130 mph (210 km/h).
In terms of gearbox choices, the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and SKYACTIV-G 2.0 with i-ELOOP are available exclusively with a six-speed manual. SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 can be had with the same six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.
Weight (without driver) varies from 1,190 kg (2,623 lbs) for the SKYACTIV-G 1.5-powered model and goes up to 1,330 kg (2,932 lbs) for the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 equipped with the automatic gearbox. The new Mazda3 has a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup, while stopping power is provided by ventilated front and solid rear discs.

2014 Mazda3 officially unveiled


In the United States, the Mazda3 will be offered with two different petrol engines. The 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G produces 155 bhp (115 kW) and 150 lb-ft (203 Nm) of torque, while the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G develops 184 bhp (137 kW) and 185 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. They can be paired to a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic.