#LAAutoShow: Is Mazda Bringing SEXY Back With The All-new 3 Hatch? Real-life Pics Show Us ANOTHER Side Of Entry-level Cars...

Although I know it's hard to think back about 20 years ago, give it a shot. Think about entry-level vehicles like the Mazda Protege and Honda Civic. They weren't exactly beauts.

But people bought them much like they bought appliances. It wasn't about making a statement as much as it was about getting a reliable piece of hardware to get you from point "A" to "B."

Los Angeles Auto Show

**READ the all-new Mazda 3's press release HERE!

Fast forward to today. Boy, has that philosophy changed.

This week Mazda revealed the all-new 3. Looking sharper than ever, the 3 has a much more premium looking exterior to it. Rather than look like an entry-level, Japanese economy car, it boasts styling that has hints of Alfa Romeo to it. To me, it's the Japanese Brera we've always wanted.

Now available with all-wheel drive, it looks like Mazda is taking dead aim on the likes of Subaru in the battle of the most viable niche auto manufacturer. That said, we've got to ask: Are YOU digging this OTHER side of today's entry-level vehicles?

Los Angeles Auto Show

TomM - 11/29/2018 6:41:09 AM

+3 Boost

I have been recommending Mazda to many of my College Age family - and our local Mazda independent dealer is top notch. However - over the years - while Mazda has looked better than most of its competitors - the price seems to be less rear seat room than the others too. I do not know if they have improved that with these new models - but if you really want a car to carry more than a couple of people - the Current Model 3 has no room behind drivers seat even if the driver is of normal height - and if you are over 6 foot - the passenger back there will have to take off his legs and put them besides them.

Overall - they have been reasonable reliable cars and for college transportation - have certainly fulfilled that requirements. THey have adequate power and are actually a little sporty to drive. THe problem of course is that the Corolla is FAR larger inside - and the Civic is more Sporty.

Eventually Mazda will be sucked up by some other Multi-brand conglomerate because they will not be able to exist on their own. Frankly - I think they would be a good choice for FCA. However - since cars are on the wane - they might not be worth the money.

qwertyfla1 - 11/29/2018 8:25:07 AM

-1 Boost

I really like Mazda as a brand but the "Kardashian Ass/Gremlin" styling of this car makes bus transportation more desirable. Major design failure and I'm sure it will reflect in dismal sales.

Is it just me or does the ass end side profile look like it doesn't belong with the rest of this car or are they trying to make it look like the Veloso-turd?

MDarringer - 11/29/2018 8:25:54 AM

-1 Boost

While I would be the last person to judge another person's sexual proclivities, I have to draw the line on sexual attraction to the hunchback of Hiroshima.

The styling of this is vile in every conceivable way.

I hope the payola, nose blow, and prostitutes were commensurate given the "unbiased" press' returning the favor by calling the 3 hatch "sexy" while the responses from real people are that it's ugly.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/29/2018 9:00:33 AM

+2 Boost

Even Mr. Timberlake would object to his tune being referenced along with this vehicle. I think they were chasing Alfa Romeo but fell short in the execution. D-Pillar treatment is a fail.

cidflekken - 11/29/2018 11:20:41 AM

+3 Boost

There is a certain attractiveness to this hatch, but there is also some getting used to that will be needed. Admittedly, it is the best-looking hatch. It looks expensive, where almost everything else look like the econo boxes that the class came from.

MBguy - 11/29/2018 7:48:24 PM

0 Boost

I really had high hopes for the new Mazda 3. But I'm REALLY disappointed :-(

The previous model looks better in almost every respect.