Mazda followed its Los Angeles auto show debut of its all-new Mazda3 sedan with a Bologna Motor Show reveal of its Mazda3 hatchback, leaving just one question on the minds of enthusiasts – when will we see the Mazdaspeed version? Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too long.
According to AutoTelegraaf, the Mazdaspeed (or MPS is you live in Europe) version of the new Mazda3 is set to hit the stage this March at the Geneva Motor Show.
Although the hot hatch has one intended goal – to offer fun and versatility in one package – two versions of the car will be available in the global market. The Euro-spec MPS version will be powered by a turbocharged 2.3L, while the Americanized Mazda speed will use a 2.5L. Both turbocharged units will be cranking out somewhere in the neighborhood of 268 horsepower.
Like the last-gen Mazdaspeed3, the new car will do with just front-wheel drive. However, the new ‘Speed is rumored to be equipped with the same front suspension setup as the high-performance Euro Focus RS, so the front wheels should be more than up to the challenge.
In order to separate the Mazdaspeed version of the 3 from lesser models, the car will feature a wide hood scoop, larger air intakes, upgraded wheels, dual exhaust and a rear wing.
No official word on when the Mazdaspeed3 will hit the market, but we expect it to arrive in showrooms during the second half of 2009.
