SPY PICS: 2019 Mazda3 caught out in Germany

The new generation of Mazda's popular small car, the Mazda3, is due to be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show around the end of this month, but spy photographers have already seen the car in the form of a pre-production hatch, testing in Germany.

It's rumoured that the production version of the Mazda3 will be basically the Kai concept that debuted in Tokyo about this time 12 months ago – but with production bumpers.

Mazda is saying nothing about the new Mazda3, but this model is clearly a new jumping-off point for a corporate styling theme that will eventually roll out across the entire product portfolio. Based on a report from Tokyo last year, the look of the new Mazda3 will be treated as an updated variation on the 'Kodo' theme, rather than an altogether new theme.

Nevertheless, the looks and packaging of the 2019 Mazda3 promise to be a significant step change, not only for Mazda and the '3', but for small cars more generally.

Some have speculated that the new Mazda3 won't be powered by Mazda's super-frugal SKYACTIV-X engine when it arrives, citing concerns that the new engine tech won't be production-ready by the time the new car is due to launch. Instead, they suggest, the 'Kai' Mazda3 will carry over the existing powertrains from the current model – but possibly with cylinder deactivation like the Mazda6 and CX-5.

We doubt that though. Other than the semi-resolved SP20 variant of the previous model, SKYACTIV didn't exist in the small-car range until the arrival of the current Mazda3. Unlike other car companies, Mazda introduces new powertrain technology in concert with its new models. We're expecting nothing less for the 2019 Mazda3.

And presuming we're right, prepare for Mazda to up-end the whole small car market with this new powertrain technology...