It wasn't the easiest prototype to identify. White camouflage and Belgian number plates usually hint to future cars from Toyota - but there's no space really in the Toyota line-up for a midsize MPV like the one pictured here testing in southern Italy.
Both, the Yaris Verso and the Corolla Verso are too young to be replaced already.
After checking with colleagues in Belgium, we found out that the number plates are false and are not officially registered. Tut, tut, Mazda . . .
The photographer thought it was a Mitsubishi because it was tested together with the Space Star. In fact, the Space Star needs a replacement - but then again: nothing in the design hints to Mitsubishi. No, it couldn't be the new Space Star either.
On the other hand, door-handles, wheel-houses and other details all shouted loud for Mazda. Proof finally came in the form of two detailed-shots of the tail-lights, delivered by another photographer.
They look very similar to those used on the current Mazda Premacy. What's more, the photographer spoke to the test-driver, under the guise of a harmless tourist with an amateur camera. The test-driver confirmed this was the successor of the Premacy. So, after all our hard investigation work we can say: here's the very first pictures of the new Mazda4.
Based on the platform and chassis of the brand-new Mazda3, the compact MPV will be officially launched in about a year.
Just as the Mazda3 is a direct rival to the VW Golf and Opel Astra, the new Mazda4 will compete with the VW Touran, Renault Scenic and Opel Zafira.
With its refined Ford Focus chassis, handling promises to be excellent and very sporty.
At the same time, the interior will be variable, though a third row of seats is unlikely to feature. We expect engines between 105 and 150bhp, plus a direct injecting turbodiesel with about 110 bhp.