New Mazda 3 Revealed

IRVINE, California — Mazda has just offered an advance look at the redesigned 2010 Mazda 3, showing off a sedan version with more aggressive styling. The Mazda 3 will debut on November 19 at the 2008 L.A. Auto Show.

Although the Japanese automaker was careful to not detail any exterior specifications, it is anticipated that the new Mazda 3 sedan will be slightly wider and longer than the current model. The Mazda 3 is known as the Axela in Japan.

"Following the world debut of the North-American-specification sedan with 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines at the show, the five-door hatchback version will be revealed in line with Mazda's global sales schedule," the automaker said in a statement.

The 2010 Mazda 3 will continue to share the European Ford Focus platform, with an emphasis on brawniness.

Inside Line says: The Mazda 3 gets bigger and more muscular — and should be one of the highlights of the upcoming L.A. show