Sporty Mazda3 Revealed, Competing With Honda Civic Type R

At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 exhibition held in Japan, Mazda brought 2 new sports concept cars for display. Among them, the notable concept car is based on the Mazda3 Hatchback called the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept.

Compared to the standard version, the “appearance” of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept brings a more robust and sporty look. To achieve this, the manufacturer has “dressed” the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept in a concrete gray color with an exterior body kit including a large front air dam, side air dams, and a rear air dam, all painted in black.

In addition, the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept is also enhanced with red decorative details on the front spoiler, mirror housings, and brake calipers.

The black accent lines on the hood, roof, and trunk further enhance the sportiness of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept. Finally, the most distinctive identifier of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept is the Mazda Spirit Racing decal on the front door and hood.

Similar to the exterior, the interior of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept also exudes a sporty and robust style with leather sports seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Creating highlights for the cabin of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept are red stitching on the dashboard, center console, and seats. The 12 o’clock marking on the steering wheel and the seatbelts are also highlighted in red.

In terms of convenience features, the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept is expected to be no different from the cars currently available on the market. In its home country, the Mazda3 is equipped with a new 10.25-inch touchscreen display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, and an integrated USB Type-C port with an illuminated light. In addition, there is a remote engine start feature via the MyMazda app on a smartphone.

In terms of powertrain, it is likely that the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Concept will still use the same “heart” as the standard Mazda3. In the Japanese market, the Mazda3 currently has 4 engine options, including the SkyActiv-G 1.5L gasoline engine, SkyActiv-D 1.8L diesel engine, e-SkyActiv X mild hybrid system, and e-SkyActiv G 2.0 mild hybrid system.

Among them, the e-SkyActiv G 2.0 includes a 4-cylinder gasoline engine, naturally aspirated, direct fuel injection, with a displacement of 2.0L, an electric motor, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline engine produces a maximum power of 156 horsepower and a peak torque of 199 Nm. The electric motor adds a maximum power of 6.9 horsepower and a peak torque of 49 Nm to the car.

In addition, the Mazda3 is also equipped with notable features such as upgraded speed control with the ability to detect pedestrians ahead, and an upgraded driver monitoring system with a distraction warning feature.

According to a representative from Mazda, the Spirit Racing 3 Concept will have a commercial version for the market.

TT (Tuoitrethudo)