MORE HERE
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Are they really trying to compete with Acura for Most Bucktoothed Front Design?

 

Generally looks good except for the front grille.

 

I still like this^^ grille better than Acura's ......

 

3 > entire compact class

 

They got to do something about that grill.

 

looks good....but then add the 4" wheel gap and plastic wheel covers and see how it looks.

 

I don't like it at all. The headlights are too swept/slanted (I prefer squarish or round ones), the roofline is too low and arched/humpback, the rear (from the angle the shot was taken) too Camry/Corolla-like, and the grossly-oversized grille looks like the plow front end of an old steam locomotive.

Here is my idea of a good-looking modern sedan: The 2008 Ford Taurus

 

My first thought was that it has a lot in common with the 2IS. But this isn't the first with similar design elements.

 

the previous 3 was based on the Volvo S40 correct....??

The new Mazda 3 has zoom-zoomed in – and it’s set to raise the bar in the family hatchback sector next year!

It’s off to a good start, too. The car is based on the class-leading Ford Focus, and blends these proven underpinnings with chassis expertise from the MX-5.

Refinement and cabin quality are high on the agenda for Mazda, so expect plenty of soft-touch cabin plastics and a layout inspired by the bigger 6. Launch engines will come from the Ford stable, with petrol units ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 litres and diesels from 1.6 to 2.2 litres.

As engineers made the latest 2 lighter than its predecessor, the new 3 is set to weigh less, too. Add in the liberal use of biodegradable materials, and it will be one of the greenest hatchbacks around.

Performance fans will be pleased to hear that an MPS model will feature the five-cylinder turbo from the Focus ST. In the Mazda, which is due in 2010, this will offer around 250bhp. And the discreet look of the current 3 MPS is set to be axed in favour of a more menacing design.

As our picture shows, even entry-level versions of the new car will look good, though. Teardrop headlamps curve down into a deep front grille and are flanked by wide wheelarches. A sharp crease runs through each door handle, and kinks above the side sills add drama.

 

these days, it's almost 3 > most of the cars on the road



i totally, utterly, disagree. I find the new "Taurus" really, really boring. Personally the Taurus from two generations ago is probably the best looking Taurus.

 

actually, I think I can get pretty cheeky and get away with

Mazda 3 > Acura's current lineup.

 

boring.

the Fusion is much better.

 

I would maybe agree with you if you take out the "modern" part...

 

x2

Only thing is this looks just like a small 6. Acura and Mazda have shared the 5 point grill for sometime now.