Mazda is doubling down on its larger, more profitable models – straight-six crossovers, in particular – while the fate of its compact lineup hangs in the balance. As the brand pivots towards electrification and SUVs, the Mazda3, once a cornerstone of the driving enthusiast’s world, faces an uncertain future. With no successor currently in Mazda’s roadmap, the question isn’t if the 3 will be replaced, but by what.
The Silence Surrounding the Next Generation
Reports suggest the current Mazda3 may not see a replacement beyond 2026. This is a jarring prospect for a brand historically celebrated for its fun-to-drive sedans and hatchbacks. Is the “Zoom-Zoom” spirit fading into obsolescence? The answer may lie in a surprising partnership: Changan, Mazda’s Chinese joint venture.
Could China Keep the 3 Alive?
When Mazda discontinued the 6 sedan and wagon, many expected a rear-wheel-drive, inline-six successor to compete with BMW and Audi. Instead, certain markets – Europe and Australia – received the Deepal-based Mazda 6e/EZ-6, while North America was left out. Could the 3 follow the same path, becoming another Deepal-derived product? It makes sense: Mazda is a smaller player, and leveraging Changan’s portfolio helps control development costs.
Recent trademark filings for the Mazda3e in Australia, the UK, and Europe, combined with Changan’s unveiling of the smaller L06 sedan, lend weight to this theory. The L06 could very well underpin the first-ever Mazda3e.
An Electrified Twist
If Mazda follows the 6e’s blueprint, the 3e would borrow Deepal’s existing hardware. The L06 is set to launch in two forms: a range-extended hybrid (EREV) and a fully electric variant. The EREV pairs a 97 hp 1.5-liter engine with a 28.39 kWh battery and a 190 kW electric motor, offering 180 km (112 miles) of EV range and 54 mpg fuel consumption. The electric version boasts a 268 hp motor and two battery options: 56 kWh and 69 kWh, with up to 416 miles of range.
Interior Smarts
Expect a more premium aesthetic compared to the donor car, along with the all-screens trend seen in the new CX-5 and EZ-60 SUVs. A 3-nanometer automotive-grade chip will power a 50-inch AR-HUD, infotainment, and Level 2+ driver assist systems, including standard LiDAR.
The L06 is also larger. Measuring 190 inches long, it’s longer than the current 3 and just shy of the discontinued 6. This repositions it into a larger segment, addressing one of the 3’s key weaknesses: tight rear seating.
Kodo Design
The Mazda3e will retain the automaker’s Kodo design language, but likely borrow the donor car’s glasshouse and doors. The front end will evolve from the Mazda 6e, with an illuminated panel, split-tier headlamps, and active grille shutters. The side profile will feature curvaceous sheet metal and semi-flush door handles. The LiDAR unit will sit atop the windscreen, while the rear will boast a diffuser and a full-width taillight strip.
Final Thoughts
Mazda has yet to confirm whether the current 3 will receive another generation or if a reskinned Changan product will replace it. If the latter comes to fruition, the Tesla Model 3 rival will be off the cards for North American consumers. However, it will compete with electrified options like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and BYD Seal in Europe and Asia Pacific markets.
The question remains: should Mazda tap into its Changan joint venture for the next 3? The future of the Mazda3 may depend on it
