Holy Hatchback! Mazda Teases the Next-Gen Mazda3 For 2018 LA Auto Show [News]

Mazda will reveal the next-gen Mazda3 soon, according to this teaser video. 

Mark your calendars, Mazda fans – the next-gen Mazda3 should emerge soon. The current generation has been around since 2014, and last year’s Kai Concept shined some light on the new model’s design language. Even though it’s long in the tooth, the current Mazda3 is one of our favorite cars in the class, so this teaser of an all-new version is welcome news.

The video shows the rear end of the hatchback, as well as the new car’s side profile. With it, Mazda flashes a simple message: “A new era begins”. We expect Mazda to debut their upcoming model at the LA Auto Show, based on the November timeframe shown at the end of the video. This video confirms the hatchback will carry over to the new model – again, welcome news. As with the previous three generations, the sedan will also likely continue with the next-gen Mazda3.

Here’s the pressing question: What will live under the hood? Currently, the Mazda3 packs a either a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, depending on which trim level you buy. However, Mazda does have SkyActiv-X up their sleeve. That engine uses “Spark Controlled Compression Ignition” – a design which marries typical spark ignition of a gasoline engine with compression ignition properties more commonly found in a diesel. The result, at least in prototype testing, was a similar amount of power to the current SkyActiv-G engine. On top of that, though, was a twenty percent improvement in fuel economy.

Earlier this year, the engine was still under development. Whether that engine will make it into the next-gen Mazda3 remains to be seen. Whatever powertrain it receives, we also expect the new model to sport some chassis improvements over the current generation.   Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates from this year’s LA Auto Show!