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Mazda announces live-streaming vehicle intro on Xbox

In April, Mazda introduced a marketing campaign titled "Game Changers" to showcase how certain people have made significant impacts in their respective sports, and now it's the Japanese automaker that is changing the game by creating an innovative way to launch a new product. Mazda is teaming up with Xbox to offer a first-of-its-kind live-streaming global debut of a new product. Mazda didn't say which model will be debuted, but our guess is that it will be the next-generation Mazda3.
The actual reveal will take place at 9 pm on June 26 during a live concert from the band Metric in New York City, but there will be other live events preceding the concert in Melbourne, St. Petersburg, Istanbul and London. Mazda will be promoting the event on social media using the hashtag #GameChanger, and there is also a contest on Xbox where one winner will receive $2,500 to attend a music event of their choice. Scroll down for the full details of the contest and vehicle debut event.

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.

The redesigned 2019 Mazda3 moves way upscale

Mazda didn't lie — the 2019 Mazda3 is a gently reworked production version of the Kai concept shown at last year's Tokyo Auto Show. In hatchback and sedan forms, you'll still quickly peg this a Mazda3. The dimensions barely change: The wheelbase grows by an inch, but the hatchback width and length carry over, while height decreases by an inch; the sedan is the same width but 3.2 inches longer and 0.7 inches lower. Nevertheless, the look and details have evolved throughout, yielding a much more potent and piercing hatchback, and a more sophisticated, accomplished sedan. Instead of using hard shoulder and swage lines to "draw" contour onto a flat profile, Mazda designed a car with contours that create real shoulders and hips. Shedding the illusion of surface depth for reality redefines the look and presence of the Mazda3. The new model erases the hash of lines and embossed panels in back of the current car so that the S-curved hatch has only its shutline for framing. After that, the highlights enhance the theme. On either side of the larger grille, single-lens headlamps get new accents; instead of a just plain silver bar, streaks of amber turn signals decorate the more dimensional units. The contoured taillamp housing holds highly structured, highly embellished twin circles that probably look even more sinister at night. On the sedan, those naughty taillights are surrounded by a refined rear valance with a more angled, muscular lip along the trailing edge. It's the same inside, a design based on results of Mazda's in-depth studies of human mechanics. The flatter instrument panel stresses clean lines along the horizontal. Trimmer steering wheel spokes with silver buttons line up with the central span across the dash housing the climate control buttons and vents. The new shift panel sits higher and more forward, making it easier for the driver to move a hand from the steering wheel to the lever. To raise perceived luxury, the center tunnel trim is a clear layer laid over a laser-engraved black layer, said to produce a "look of deep transparency," and similar to the effect found on the new BMW X5 and X7. The cupholders are now in front of the shifters, and the armrest is longer. There's no mention of that digital gauge cluster that leaked earlier this year, though. Buyers who opt for fabric will get a new "Greige" hue, a mix of gray and beige. Mazda designed a new leather grain with creases of varying depths and shapes depending on where it's placed.