For its 10th year anniversary, the Mazda3 showed up in New York with new styling and electronics.
Mazda unveiled the 2014 Mazda3 model at a special event in New York showing off a completely redesigned body.
This hatchback re-sees Mazda's Kodo design language giving it a look in line with the company's Mazda6 and Mazda2 model.
Mazda pushed back the A pillars which makes the nose of the car look longer.
At the same time it raked the hatchback more heavily contributing to a more sporty look but potentially reducing cargo space.
Dimensions have also been reduced.
The new car is almost 2 inches shorter than the outgoing model and loses more than a half inch of height.
At the same time, Mazda made the new version an inch and a half wider.
Engineers reduced weight in the new model to give it better fuel economy as well.
In fact, the 2014 Mazda3 will likely get better than the 40 miles per gallon
highway fuel economy boasted by the previous generation despite using the same direct injection 2-liter engine.
Mazda introduced the efficient 2-liter direct injection engine for the 2012 Mazda3.
For the 2014 model, Mazda adds its I-ELOOP Brake Regeneration technology.
The system stores electricity generated from the brakes in a capacitor, reducing alternator drag on the engine.
Buyers will also have the choice of a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter
direct injection engine, the same used on the current Mazda6 model.
Inside the car, Mazda places a free standing LCD in the center of the dashboard similar to some recent BMW designs.
That LCD shows navigation, stereo, and hands-free phone features.
One unique feature is the head-up display projected on a clear panel sticking up from the dashboard in front of the driver.
This panel will show driver's vehicle speed and other information while letting them keep their eyes on the road.
The 2014 Mazda3 should be hitting showrooms late this year.
