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Mazda3 sedan revealed by Top Gear Russia [w/poll]

Thanks to our comrades at Top Gear Russia, the trickling reveal of the Mazda3 sedan has begun. We saw the hatch in person in New York (and loved it), and we wanted to see if the trunked version could hold onto the same mojo. If you like the Mazda6, then you should like the Mazda3 because it takes just about everything from its toothsome big brother and shrinks it into a compact package.
Top Gear Russia was allowed to share photographs of the Mazda sedan they call "Treshka" (or they leaked them, depending on whom you talk to), but not their drive impressions. The site page says it will come in four trims for the Russian market - Drive, Active, Active+ and Supreme - and offer three engines. Our specifications will certainly differ. Other than that, all we have to go on are the looks, which some may argue are even better than the hatch thanks to a trunk line that provides more balance to that long hood up front.
The Mazda3 will go on sale later this year and US prices should be announced in September. For the time being, content yourself with the gallery of high-res images above.

The Miata gives me a new perspective on the world

The Miata: making everything a new experience and turning low-beam headlights into high-beams since 1989. That's what happens when you're basically sitting on the ground, something I've become intimately familiar with when driving our long-term 2016 MX-5 Club. I am not a tall person. Far from it. In most cars I drive, I crank the seat height up close to maximum as soon as I get in. That's easy in the Miata because there's no height adjustment at all. Couple that with the facts that the seat is thin and the car barely hovers off of the pavement, and my eyes end up sitting at the height of most car's exhaust systems. That results in a lot of examining other cars' bumpers in traffic. And one day recently, it almost led to me missing my exit from Interstate 94, part of the route I take every day to work. Everything just looks different from down here – it is quite literally a different point of view from what I'm used to. And then there's the issue of night driving. When you're this low down and stuck in traffic, the headlights of cars following look extremely bright (and incredibly close). They're not, of course, you're just lower than every other driver on the road so it seems like you're staring down high-beams in the rearview mirror. I still love the Miata. It's just not the best commuter vehicle, which should come as a surprise to precisely no one. But when a hole opens up in traffic, the Miata and I are the first to fill it. I just hope the other cars see me. Related Video: Mazda Long-Term Garage Convertible Lightweight Vehicles Performance

Mazda teases CX-4 for the Beijing Motor Show

Mazda will unveil the CX-4 crossover at the Beijing Motor Show in late April, and the company's single teaser image (above) suggests the CUV might borrow styling cues from the larger Koeru concept. Mazda kept details about the CX-4 light for now but says in the announcement, "this is a new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives." The teaser photo offers some hints about the design. For example, the rear pillar comes to a point and features chrome accents, which are elements from the Koeru and production CX-9. The arching roof rail suggests a coupe-like shape because it arcs downward to the hatchback. The name also hints that this model slots between the CX-3 and CX-5 in the lineup, but the CX-4 appears to prioritize style over utility. We can't wait to get a better look because this picture doesn't offer much detail. The company will also show versions of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 for the China Touring Car Championship at the Beijing show. Related Video: Mazda to Debut New CX-4 Crossover SUV at Beijing Motor Show - Twelve models on display including new-generation Mazda3, CX-5 and Mazda6 - HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will debut the all-new Mazda CX-4 crossover SUV at the Beijing Motor Show.*1 The automaker's stand at the show will feature twelve vehicles, including new-generation models such as the Mazda3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, and race cars prepared for the Mazda-sponsored MZ Ruisi Racing Team competing in the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC). The CX-4 is the latest addition to Mazda's new-generation lineup of models featuring the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. With a striking presence that sets it apart from other SUVs, the functionality modern users expect and Jinba-ittai driving thanks to Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, this is new type of crossover SUV designed to help customers live more creative lives. In addition to the CX-4, Mazda will display other vehicles and technologies that represent the brand. Mazda aims to enrich people's lives through a variety of touch points and become a brand that maintains a special connection with customers. *1 Also known as 2016 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Press days are April 25-26. Special invitation days are April 27-28. Open to the public from April 29 through May 4.