Report: Next gen Mazda3 to go on diet, Mazdaspeed 3 expected to return, diesel a possibility

CARandDRIVER reports that we should be expecting some pretty grand changes to the next generation Mazda3, which will utilize the brand’s latest corporate philosophy, SkyActiv.

From that, we know the SkyActiv program is Mazda’s way of describing their latest ideology of cars that are fun to drive, but economical as well. The latest and first example that employs this concept is the impressive CX-5.

That means we should expect the next Mazda3 to weigh less than the outgoing model. Mazda’s SkyActiv 2.0L four-banger, good for 155hp, was introduced to the current Mazda3 for brief duty until the next gen Mazda3 gets introduced. That said, the same engine is expected to carry over to the next gen Mazda3. Additionally, C/D reports that there are rumors of a possible diesel model in the mix.

Time frame? C/D predicts either late 2013 or early 2014. But the best part, the Mazdaspeed3 is also predicted to make a return with the redesign. However, C/D noted that the current Mazdaspeed3 had astronomical torque steer and slow sales have the potential to threaten the Mazdaspeed3’s return.

Let’s cross our fingers and hope that doesn’t happen. The hot hatch league—a la Volkswagen GTi, Ford Focus ST, and the much-rumored high-performance Hyundai Veloster Turbo et al—will be left with one-less contender.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER