The 2009 Mazda 3 will indicated the new styling design that will eventually spread to the entire Mazda lineup. Laurens van den Acker, Mazda’s design chief, said that the updated 3 will create a stronger “front face,” and will be more eye-catching than the current model.
“Within the next three years, you will start to see my cars on the road,” van den Acker told Automotive News. “One of the advantages of being a small company is that we can afford to be a little more provocative.”
The new look will be highlighted by a distinctive five-point, shield-shaped grille for all models, more flowing details — which will likely use side panels — and longer wheel bases with shorter front overhangs.
The changes are being made to help strengthen the brand. “We need to stay consistent with the message,” van den Acker said. “ Mazda is good at getting new customers to our brand but not so good at retaining them.”
Van den Acker was tight lipped about specific details about the Mazda3′s new styling but did say it would be heavily influenced by Mazda’s Nagare concept-car series. The new design will begin to show up in other Mazda models by 2011.
