Mazda has officially pulled the cover off its sleek and sporty 2014 Mazda3 which features a longer wheelbase, new human-machine interface and a new range of engines. Another Japanese competitor in an incredibly crowded segment which includes the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris, the 2014 Mazda3 will be available with a choice of two naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder petrol engines when it launches.

Locally, Mazda has confirmed that the 2014 Mazda3 will be introduced, but they couldn’t give an exact date at time of publication.

2014 Mazda3 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The 2014 Mazda3 will be offered with two different petrol engines for the US market. At this stage we can’t confirm the local powertrain line up. The 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G which produces 115 kW of power and 203 Nm of torque, while the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G develops 137 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. Both engines can be paired to a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.

To improve fuel efficiency, the Mazda3 has i-ELOOP (Intelligent Energy Loop) brake energy regeneration and a SKYACTIV-Body that uses high-strength steel for significant weight savings.

SKYACTIV is Mazda’s sub brand, used to refer to all the technologies the company is developing which increase fuel efficiency and engine output. This technology appears in Mazda products that were developed from 2011.

Exterior Design Features

Aside from the name, the 2014 Mazda3 doesn’t share much with its predecessor. The car’s wheelbase has been stretched, however the length of the car has been reduced by nearly two inches.

Dominating the front fascia is a five-point grille which is equipped with a new active air-shutter system that helps to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic performance while contributing to real-world gains in fuel economy. The car’s presence is further emphasized by soft curves and flowing surfaces as well as a tailgate-mounted spoiler, and embraces the company’s KODO design language, which means ‘soul of motion’ in Japanese.

According to the manufacturer each set of wheels on the 2014 Mazda3 expresses dynamic motion from hub to rim, whether it is the 16-inch full cover steel or higher trim-equipped 16-inch and 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

At launch, the model will be available in eight colours, including the premium metallic finish Soul Red, two all-new Mazda hues introduced with Titanium Flash Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.

Interior Design Features

The redesigned body has increased the interior space which features Mazda’s latest infotainment system, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) which is set to offer drivers more connectivity than any other Mazda model. This will happen through simplified methods of operation that have been designed with safety in mind.

The cabin is further fitted with a new instrument cluster, a seven-inch colour screen in the centre of the dashboard, a centrally positioned analogue gauge flanked by a pair of wing-shaped digital displays, satin chrome trim, piano black accents and the seats have been redesigned for more comfort and efficiency.

The re-sculpted front seats give back seat passengers more legroom. The car is also offered with cloth, leather and leatherette seat coverings. There is also a new infotainment system with Bluetooth/USB/AUX connectivity as well as the ability to access the internet via a smartphone.

The 2014 Mazda3 is also the first vehicle to feature Mazda’s all-new Active Driving Display, a clear pop-up panel that displays important driving information such as vehicle speed, navigation directions and is vertically mounted behind the meter hood. This is similar to the system available on some Peugeot models.

Safety Features

The 2014 Mazda3 will feature a variety of new safety systems including High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Obstruction Warning, Smart City Brake Support, Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning System.

Other standard safety features on the 2014 Mazda3 include six airbags, whiplash-reducing front headrests, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a collapsible steering column, a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Gallery

View the new Mazda3 gallery here