Mazda3 sprung ahead of virtual reveal

A GRAINY image posted on a Russian Facebook page is believed to be the world’s first unofficial look at the car that will vie for the place as Australia’s best-selling model.

Mazda is believed to be gearing up for an international reveal of its all-new, third-generation Mazda3 small car sometime next week, but the image sweeping the internet scoops any attempts by the car-maker to keep it under wraps.

However, the image only shows a rear three-quarter view of the car, showing a Mazda CX-5-inspired rear end complete with deep blacked-out diffuser and tail-lights that run like an open slash across the rear quarters.

The Mazda3 is expected to adopt the latest generation of Mazda’s fuel-saving Skyactiv technology that includes lightweighting to help squeeze out better fuel efficiency.

The Mazda6 mid-size car, updated late last year, introduced a world-first capacitor under its bonnet that can store braking energy converted to electricity, and then use it to power the car’s accessories for about 10 seconds at a time.

Mazda is due to make an announcement alongside the software giant on June 27 – the same day as Mazda is believed to be planning an international reveal of the 3 as part of the now-cancelled Australian International Motor Show.

However, as well as a physical reveal of the new Mazda3, the Japanese car-maker is believed to be working with Microsoft on a virtual reveal that will be streamed live across Microsoft’s xBox network.

Mazda’s US website has set up a special page counting down to “a special announcement in New York” next Thursday, pointing out that this year is the 10th anniversary of the Mazda3.

“We can't reveal exactly what's going to happen, but we can promise it's going to be a game-changing moment you won't want to miss,” the website says.

Nothing yet has been posted on Mazda Australia’s website.