The Mazda 3 has been reasonably successful in the US since it’s launch early this century. At the time of launch it was lauded for it’s sporty styling, nice drive, and decent interior. However over it’s lifespan the Mazda 3 just did not age well and the much meligned refresh of 2010 did not help the Mazda 3’s cause. A complete redesign is in the offing for 2014 so what do we know what should we expect?

What we know:
Gone is the ugly smiling grin of the current Mazda 3. It will be replaced by a more new Mazda 6, CX7 like front end which is sleeker and sportier.
The car will get lighter increasing fuel economy to a targeted 40mpgs.
The car will feature SkyActiv technology.

What we can speculate is that we may see a diesel alternative for the Mazda 3 which would make since with many of it’s competitors are going to be offering the option going forward. We also are sure there will be an interior refresh which the 3 desperately needs. Back during it’s debut the interior was heralded as fresh, funky, and interesting, but now it’s become dated, cheap looking, and quirky.

2014 is going to be an awesome car year from the affordable like the Mazda 3 to the awesome like the C7 Vette. I can’t wait to get my hands on the new Mazda 3 and let you all know how it is.