2014 Mazda 3 images appear on web

But don't take it too seriously - it's only an artist's rendering achieved by planting the new Mazda 6 nose onto a current-model Mazda 3.

However, the family look created by the open grille design is almost certain - it's used on the CX-5 and the new Mazda6 - though the rear three-quarter lines already look a bit dated.

Mazda Australia won't talk about future product but the company's Japanese engineers have previously stated the next ``3'' will be the third vehicle - after the Mazda CX-5 and early-2013's Mazda6 - to embrace Mazda's Skyactiv technology umbrella. That includes a new platform, body materials, suspension and steering, and engine and transmission.

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The current Mazda3 SP20 has Skyactiv engine and automatic transmission that results in a remarkable 6.1 litres/100km average. It sells alongside - and for a $1500 premium - to the Mazda3 Maxx Sport that has a conventional 2-litre engine rated at 8.2 litres/100km.

The 2014 Mazda3 Skyactiv is expected to weigh about 100kg less than the current model and be available with two petrol engines - 2-litre and a new 1.5-litre petrol - and a 2-litre turbo-diesel. Transmissions will be a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Mazda plans to have eight SkyActiv models by 2016 - which is everything but the commercial utes. The Mazda6 Skyactiv - with a 2.5-litre petrol engine - is in Australia in the first quarter of 2013, followed by all-new models starting with the Mazda2 and Mazda3 (2014), MX-5 (2014) and Mazda CX-9 (2015).

The Mazda2 retains links with the Ford Fiesta but will go its own way from late next year and use a new Skyactiv platform. Included in the Mazda2 kit is a 1.3-litre, direct-petrol injection Skyactiv engine. This model, which claims 3.3 litres/100km, is already available in Japan.

The 2014 MX-5 will get the choice of 1.5-litre and 2-litre aspirated engines, possibly with the smaller version having a turbocharger. The MX-5 will also share its platform - but not drivetrain - with Fiat to create the Spider in 2015. Mazda says it is on target to reduce its global fleet fuel consumption by 30 per cent by 2015.