Kai Concept Goes To Geneva To Get Our Hopes Up For New Mazda3

The third generation Mazda3 is currently five years old, so naturally, the automaker is prepping its replacement, which will face some stiff competition in the compact segment.

It shouldn’t have any problems in attracting new buyers, though, if it looks anything like the Kai Concept. Presented at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, the sexy study is now touching European soil for the first time in Geneva.

It remains unchanged since its debut in Japan, and that’s a good thing, because, well… just look at it! It has a striking presence with a clean exterior, and it’s simply gorgeous from any angle. We have to hand it to the Mazda designers, because they have created something truly interesting here. Now, if only it would remain the same when it hits production, but well, we all know it most likely won’t.

Compared to the current Mazda3, the Kai Concept has a slightly longer wheelbase. Thus, legroom for the rear passengers should be improved, and those inside will get to appreciate the brand’s latest and greatest technologies.

We don’t know when the new Mazda3 will arrive, but just like its predecessor, it will be offered in two body styles: hatchback and sedan. The two will share everything, up to the C-pillar, including a new generation of SkyActiv engines.

Despite having a new suit ready, in addition to a different interior, the new Mazda3 could sit on the same architecture as today’s models.

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  • kDawg

    Nice looking but so what. It will never go into production because it’s too nice for Mazda. Another marketing ploy. Clap clap..

    • Kyle Newberry

      Too nice for mazda? What’s that even mean. Of all the normal car makers Mazda is most likely to make something much like this.

  • Christian Wimmer

    For a second I thought this was a “Kia” (because of the “KAI”) concept car and I was about to comment on how it looks very Mazdaish. 😀

    • LWOAP

      Same here.

    • Bash

      +1

  • B.Stokes

    Change the door handles, side mirrors, grow some balls Mazda and build it already. This is beautiful.

  • Carenthusiast

    Around c pillar area, it looks more like a Seat Leon!

  • Sam Curtis III

    This looks bloated to me. I would definitely go with the Golf despite its reliability factor over this car.

  • LWOAP

    Looks really nice.

  • ErnieB

    Come on this is the best looking modern hatch ever!

  • THIS LOOKS BLOATED, NOT BEAUTIFUL LIKE MOST OF MAZDA CONCEPTS.

  • fgclolz

    Imagine if this was RWD. One can dream…

  • Sebastien

    Mazda is about to remove front headlights really soon.