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Mazda May Have Finally Found a Replacement for the Aging Mazda3.

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The current generation Mazda 3 came out almost 8 years ago. With actual production starting in 2019. That is quite a long time. Since then, Mazda became mostly an SUV manufacturer, like everyone else these days. And we’ve had no news about a new 3 sedan or hatchback. Until now.

As we know, Mazda came out with a brand new sedan last year. Called the EZ6 in China, or 6e overseas. The new 6 e is basically a replacement for the mid-sized Mazda 6. And is based on a Chinese car from Changan. However, the Japanese brand was able to develop a brand new design and interior for the 6 e, which doesn’t look like its Chinese cousin.

We now have a rumor of a possible similar path for a new 3. A new smaller car called EZ3 or 3e,  based on another Changan model that would be sold in China as well as other countries around the world. Except of course, the US. 

Late last year, Mazda even officially filed for theme “3e” in Europe and Australia. That pretty much says it all right here. A new Mazda 3 successor is probably on its way sooner than later. 

The 6e has so far been getting excellent reviews from the European press. it has a 348 miles range from a 78kWh battery. And it is now a proper hatchback. And apparently, it’s just a great car. It is also offed with an EREV powertrain in China. using a 1.5 Liter engine and a 28kWh battery. 

In Europe, the 6e starts at over 43,000. However, it seems to be a very premium car and something like $45,000 over here would still be quite a deal. A small, cheaper 3e would no doubt be a hit wherever  the 6e is sold. Besides the Changan cooperation, there seems to be no hope of a new Mazda 3. Especially in the US where Mazda will soon offer only one car in their lineup: The Miata. Which is also due for a new generation. That one will still be a real Mazda. for now…

The illustrations above show that the upcoming 3e could look like. Just like the Mazda 6e, it would probably be only offered as a hatchback. 

Conversation 10 comments

  1. 6e starts at $50K in Australia so roughly $35K USD if it wasn’t for all your tariffs.

  3. The current Mazda 3 may be “old” but it is still one of the best looking compact sedans on the market. Instead of reinventing it, why not just give it an extensive makeover. New front and rear styling, an entirely new interior with updated tech, and the availability of a hybrid option. I think effectively updating and upgrading the current car would do wonders, especially when Mazda is starting out with such a good looking base.

    I’m not sure how well the current hatchback sells. I don’t see many (if any) of them out and about. Maybe it’s time to retire it.

  6. Anyone who’s concerned about the design on this isn’t paying attention to what Mazda really needs to get right moving forward. Styling is the least of their problems. It’s basically their only strength.

    What they have to improve on with a vehicle in this segment is pretty much everything else. Efficiency and practicality has to get in line with competitors or it’s dead on arrival. A hybrid option wouldn’t hurt, and neither would an actual multi-link suspension setup like literally everyone else offers in that category. Mazda fancies itself as a semi-premium brand, but they only offer a torsion beam rear suspension that basically competes with a bare bones Hyundai Elantra. Yikes.

    Bring more practicality to the table and trim costs by not offering TWO different body styles of the same model, just make one single competitive liftback/fastback model like every other manufacturer is doing now, and give people who don’t want a compact crossover (but also don’t want a tiny trunk) a reason to consider it. Look at what Honda did with the packaging on the Acura Integra, or even what Kia did with the K4, take that idea and run with it.

    If they get that right and actually sell the basic buyer audience what they want (something stylish but without compromising on practicality or efficiency) then they’ve got a business case to make enthusiast models to go against the VW GTI, Integra, Hyundai N, Kia K4 GT Turbo, or whatever sport offering you want to line it up against. There’s no business case the other way around.

  9. I wish we could see the front rendered. A lot of times only the front or rear is included. The back looks great.

  10. So has Mazda completely given up? They’re now just rebadging Chinese cars? Sad. Would never consider one, is that is their tactic moving forward.

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