Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year, the latest recipient of the prestigious Red Dot Design Award will likely again be offered in hatch and sedan bodystyles, and come powered by the electrically assisted 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine that produces 90 kW and 213 N.m of torque.

While Mazda is only expected to reveal the 3’s final price and specification details closer to its market launch, chances are that South Africa will do without the spark controlled compression ignition 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X petrol motor as well as the new 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel, and instead use the aforementioned petrol engine and the non-hybrid 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G that produces the same 138 kW and 252 N.m as in the US-spec model.

Like the previous generation, the new 3 will have the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic, though the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system will remain forbidden fruit, More details are expected to emerge later this year.