Mazda 3 news - Like father, like son - 2008

In the market for something exactly four-fifths the size of a Mazda 6? Then how about the Mazda 3 saloon? It’s just like the Mazda 6… but a bit smaller!

This is the four-door version of Mazda’s C-segment Focus rival, set to be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in the middle of November.

We reckon it looks pretty tidy – Mazda’s on a bit of a hot streak in the design department at the moment, and the saloon 3 continues the trend. Mainly by looking literally identical to the Mazda 6 saloon. Which we like, so that’s all good.

The saloon is the spearhead of a facelifted Mazda 3 range, the first since its launch in 2004. As well as a Mini-style stop-start system, there’s a brand new interior with, we’re told, a ‘very distinctive’ centre console. We wait with baited breath.

Continuing Mazda’s weight-saving strategy, the 3 has lost a little weight, too – we’re not exactly sure how much, but we’re guessing more Atkins diet than norovirus. The hardcore dieting is being saved for the next-gen 3, which should arrive some time around 2011 and weigh about the same as a kebab wrapper.

Engines are expected to include a new two-litre direct injection petrol engine, and a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, which’ll also turn up in the Mazda 6. And so the circle of life continues…