by Lewis Kingston of www.autocar.co.uk

Pictures of the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback have been spotted in print, ahead of the car's official reveal.

The images reveal that the car has adopted the styling of the new Mazda 6 and CX-5. According to AutoTribute, the pictures appeared in a Japanese magazine.

Previously, only spy shots and concept illustrations of the new Mazda 3 had been seen.

Mazda declined to officially comment regarding the images, but one insider confirmed to Autocar that the pictures "did look like the next Mazda 3".

It's expected that the new Mazda 3 hatchback, which will use a scaled-down version of the SkyActiv platform found in the CX-5 and 6, will weigh 100kg less than the model it replaces.

The engine lineup will most likely consist of SkyActiv 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel units, much like the more recent model ranges.

A new downsized 1.6-litre SkyActiv diesel is tipped to be available as well, offering a direct rival to the small diesels offered by Ford, Volkswagen and Vauxhall.

The new Mazda 3 is expected to arrive at some point between later this year and early 2014, with a preview possible at this year's Frankfurt motor show.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-mazda-3-revealed-magazine