( Worldcarfans ) - This freshly disheveled looking Mazda3 is actually a test mule for the all-new generation Mazda3 due in 2009. The new Mazda3 will adopt the new aggressive design of the all-new Mazda6 which was well received at last months Frankfurt Motor Show debut.
Riding on the next-generation global Ford Focus C1 platform, the Mazda3 gets a little wider and longer. Judging from these photos, it appears this Mazda3 mule is testing a new dual exhaust setup in addition to a new cooling system which explains the sloppily misaligned front end.
The current 2.0 liter engine is expected to get a slight power increase and the excellent 2.3 liter 4-cylinder gets bored out to 2.5 liters for an additional 30hp. Both engines will receive direct injection.