BREAKING: BRAND NEW 2014 MAZDA3 LEAKS OUT!

Breaking news! Here is the all-new 2014 model year Mazda3! The Mazda3 hatchback should launch in Mzansi in early 2014, but we have the leaked pictures and some details right now. Mazda has not been busy with new product launches and the Mazda3 is hopefully going to start changing that. It will compete with the likes of Ford Focus, Toyota Auris, Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai Elantra.

The new Mazda3 will come in three engine derivatives with four power outputs. The baby of the range will be a SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre with 74kW and 150Nm of torque. Then the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 with standard power of 88kW and 210Nm. SKYACTIV-G 2.0 High Power has 121kW and the same torque of 210Nm. Finally the 2.2-litre turbo diesel makes 110kW and 380Nm of torque. All three engines feature direct injection technology.

Mazda South Africa has not previously offered the Mazda3 with a diesel engine, so it will be interesting if they will bring this model here. Also interesting is that Mazda is sticking with the current unspoken Japanese code of not using turbo petrol engines in their cars. Nevertheless, the cars, depending on model, will either be offered with a 6-speed manual or automatic. Again, Mazda SA has not given the automatic a look for Mzansi before.

The car is 4.465 metres long, 1.765m wide, 20mm lower and has a wheelbase of 2.7m. It features a 51 litre fuel tank and boot space of 350 litres.