Mazda has released the first official images and details of its all-new Mazda3 Fastback, a saloon version of the new 3 hatchback.
We've already shown you images of the new car which were leaked on a Russian website last week; however, it's only now that Mazda has released official information on the new 3 Fastback.
The Fastback will be offered with a choice of three naturally aspirated SKYACTIV petrol engines and one turbodiesel unit, all of which will come as standard with start-stop, potentially offering class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures.
The smallest unit, a 1.5-litre petrol with 99bhp, will return up to 56.4mpg on the combined cycle and emit just 118g/km of CO2 when specified with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Moving up the range, a 2.0-litre petrol unit is also on offer with two power outputs: 118bhp and 162bhp. The less powerful of the two units will manage 55.3mpg on the combined cycle and emit 119g/km of CO2, while the higher-powered engine will return 48.7mpg and 135g/km.
The 148bhp is the most frugal model in the range with CO2 emissions of just 104g/km and a combined fuel economy of 72.4mpg.
The new Fastback shares the hatchback's 2,700mm wheelbase and is 120mm longer, 40mm wider and 15mm lower than the outgoing model. Both hatchback and saloon models come with rear seats which fold almost flat, allowing owners to extend the car's 419-litre boot capacity.
Mazda also claims that the new 3 is very aerodynamically efficient, with a Cd value of 0.258 for the saloon and 0.275 for the hatch. The new model is also lighter than the current model, which helps to improve the car's economy and emissions figures.
Pricing and specification details for the new Mazda3 Fastback will be announced before the car goes on sale later this year.
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