We’ve had our first glimpse (and drive) of the 2010 Mazda 3 courtesy of the Los Angeles auto show, but the upcoming 2009 Geneva motor show will allow us a look at the performance-oriented model: the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3.
Although we surmised the new Mazdaspeed 3 would wear the same front fascia as the revised hatchback and sedan models, we weren’t prepared for the new hood design. The new hood incorporates an air scoop that would make a Subaru Impreza WRX blush, though from what we’ve heard from Mazda, it’s not connected to a monstrous mill.
As the new 3 uses a larger 2.5-liter I-4, early speculation suggested the new Mazdaspeed 3 would use a turbocharged version of that model. Mazda’s released very little data on the new car, but did note that the turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 “carries on” from the previous car. Power ratings are still unknown, but we’d imagine the new Mazdaspeed 3 would at least match the 263 hp of the outgoing model.
We’ll know more come March 3, when the car is officially unveiled at the 2009 Geneva motor show. Stay with Automobile Magazine for the latest on both the Mazdaspeed 3 and other news from the Geneva show.
