Mazda3 stars at Bologna

The Mazda3 new generation was the star of the Bologna Motor Show when it opened to the press today. That was partly because it was one of the very few launches at the show, but also because it is a real good looker in the style of the current Mazda6 and Mazda2.



The other launch of note was the Volkswagen Golf Plus, which arguably looks more characterful than the latest generation Golf itself. Its interior follows its smaller but older sibling, with more headroom and some storage bins in the roof.



Elesewhere, the Ferrari California gathered a fair bit of interest from the exotic and power buffs, while GM tried to sell a slew of Cadillacs that unfortunately don't seem to be right for the times.



There was nothing new at the Fiat or Alfa stands either, the latter depending on yet another showing in multiples of the MiTo and the now-ubiquitous C8 Competizione to show where they got some of the styling details from.



Most of the concepts from Renault et al we've already seen at Paris, but the Italians are getting to see them for the first time, so no doubt the exposition halls will be heavy with foot traffic over the coming weekend.