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After all the speculations, here's the first set of official photos of the 2014 Mazda3 sedan. Bearing the same front fascia as the hatchback, the Mazda3 has a short boot with an elongated bonnet, giving the new sedan an imposing stance. From certain angle, the latest Mazda3 bears a resemblance to the second generation Lexus IS, which is not a bad thing. In my opinion, the Mazda3 and Kia K3 are currently the best-looking compact sedans from Asia. The Mazda3 sedan will be offered with the same engine and gearbox line up as the recently-launched hatchback version. This means a range of SKYACTIV-G petrol with capacities of 1.5-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre and a 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel. Depending on the model, transmission options include a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual gearbox. According to a report by The Straits Times, the new Mazda3 will arrive in Singapore in the first half of 2014. In the meantime, we can feast our eyes on the gallery below.

Soon after the official release of the 2014 Mazda3 hatchback, a photo of the sedan form has been leaked. The photo shows the D-pillar of the new Mazda3 sedan. While the authenticity of the photo cannot be confirmed, it looked quite realistic. The taillight design is similar to the hatchback's although slight modifications can be observed upon close inspection. The boot lid spoiler adds a sporty touch to the compact sedan. Engine choices should be identical to those of the hatchback. They include a 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G with 99bhp; a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G with outputs of 118bhp/155bhp/162bhp depending on market; a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G with 184bhp and a 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D with 148bhp. The lightweight and highly rigid SKYACTIV-BODY increases rigidity by approximately 30 percent as compared to the outgoing model, with a dual brace structure that suppresses body deformation when cornering. The aerodynamic body achieves a drag coefficient of 0.275 for the hatchback (below) and 0.255 for the sedan. The Hiroshima-based carmaker conveyed that the MazdaSpeed3 is under development and the sedan's debut is not far away.

After all the spy photos, the guessing game has come to an end as Mazda unveils the 2014 Mazda3. Sporting the brand's 'KODO' design language, the new "3" has a similar fascia as its bigger brother, the Mazda6. The bulging wheel arches, dual exhaust pipes and black insert at the rear bumper add an aggressive touch. The Mazda3 hatchback measures 4,465mm by 1,795mm by 1,450mm (L x W x H) with a wheelbase that spans 2,700mm. This makes the car longer than class rivals such as the Toyota Auris, Ford Focus and VW Golf. A sedan version would be launched at a later date. In the U.S., the new Mazda 3 is available with a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G that produces 155bhp and 203Nm of torque or a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G developing 184bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both models can be chosen with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. In other parts of the world, the new Mazda3 will be offered with an initial choice of three petrol engines and a diesel power plant. These include a 99bhp 1.5-litres petrol, two 2.0-litre petrol with 118bhp or 163bhp and the 148bhp 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D. The 1.5-litre and higher-powered 2.0-litre units are only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The Mazda3 has an array of safety systems which include High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Obstruction Warning, Smart City Brake Support and Radar Cruise Control. Stopping power is provided by ventilated front and solid rear discs. The new model is supported by a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup.