You didn’t think it we were done with the all-new generation of the Mazda3 hatchback after the leaked photos and official details on the North American specification model, did you?
What we have to share with you now is fresh information along with high-resolution photographs and videos on the series following the official release of the car in Europe and Japan. Talking about Mazda’s home market, the automaker confirmed plans to release a sedan version of the new “3” sporting a hybrid electric powertrain in Japan. Mazda did not say if and when it will offer the hybrid in other markets.
In Europe and many other parts of the world sans North America (read about the U.S. lineup here), the new Mazda3 will come with an initial choice of three gasoline engines and one diesel unit. These include the 99hp (100PS) 1.5-liter, 118hp (120PS) 2.0-liter and 163hp (165PS) 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrols, and the 148hp (150PS) 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel.
However, Jim O’Sullivan, CEO of Mazda North American Operations, reiterated that the company is indeed considering the diesel engine for the U.S. Today, he told Autonews that Mazda will “consider the addition after evaluating demand for the diesel-powered Mazda6 mid-size sedan” that goes on sale in the U.S. later this year.
Mazda said that sales of the new “3” hatchback will begin in the States in September, with the rest of the world to follow shortly after.
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