Mazda's new Mazda3 hatchback will be officially revealed later this month at the L.A. Auto Show, but test mules are still clocking up miles in testing. Sadly, the sleek new compact model is still sporting full camouflage in these latest spy shots.

The new Mazda3 is poised to become the best-looking alternative to the Civic or the Corolla if we take into consideration the Kai concept. Sure, not much can be seen under all that wrapping, but the aggressive nose is a sign that some of the concept's traits have made it into production.

The Japanese manufacturer has released a number of teasers, but these are some of the best images we've got of the new Mazda3. What is more, photos of the interior have also emerged and, with a new steering wheel in place, it looks like an interesting proposition.

Prepare for another beauty from Mazda

The Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback and Sedan are merely weeks away from being officially unveiled in front of the whole world at this year's L.A. Auto Show which kicks off on November 28th when the press day is scheduled. But this doesn't mean that the flow of spy shots catching the new compact Japanese car in action has stopped. Quite the contrary, as we're now seeing some of the best images of the Mazda3 5-door hatchback and its interior.

The new Mazda3 is based around an updated platform that, according to Mazda, will "deliver new dimensions of driving pleasure to customers around the world."

What's certain is that the new compact car will not disappoint from a design point of view. The front fascia, at least, is clearly visible even on this covered-up prototype. We see the razor-sharp narrow headlights - that are shorter in length than on the Kai prototype - and the massive grille that completes the look in typical Mazda fashion. There's an extra frown-shaped air inlet in the lower front bumper, and additional creases are visible on each corner suggesting that's where additional fog lights will be placed.

At the back, you can just about trace the trunk door with the taillights on the outside. We don't know if the clear glass used on the taillights of this prototype will carry over to the production model. In any case, the curved shape of the rear makes way for potentially an even bigger C-pillar than on the current Mazda3 as the rear window seems to not extend around the car's shoulders as much as it does on the current-generation model.

Besides the pictures depicting the car riding around a European town, we've also got some images of the exterior. The digital screen for the infotainment system is still perched high up on the center console in a recessed area compared to the center panel where the air vents are placed. This gives the interior a bit of a dated look now that many manufacturers look at ways to fit a large screen within the center stack of even their budget models.

Still, there are many things we don't know about the new Mazda Mazda3, and these spy shots only increased our eagerness to see the hatchback, and the sedan, without any camouflage and to learn more about engine and transmission options - yes, a manual will be available.

Further Reading

Read our speculative review on the 2019 Mazda3.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mazda3.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mazda Kai concept.