Mazda3 hatch sneak peak

Following the release of Mazda3 sedan images and details, the Japanese manufacturer has released a few teaser images for the new Mazda3 hatch. The hatchback will have a full reveal at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show at 9am on 3 December (7pm AEDST).

The December 2008 issue of Wheels magazine also reports of a new Mazda3 MPS currently under development. It is said the new MPS will produce the same power  (190kW), but techno-boffins have been working to improve on getting all that power through the front wheels with more success. A revised torque management system is being tweaked, which Mazda hopes will improve real-world driveablity throughout the rev range.

Other engine news sees the 2.2 litre diesel from the Mazda6, complete with a Euro5 emissions seal of approval, to be used in the Mazda3. Presumably this option will make it down under, but don’t lock it in just yet.

Stay tuned for the world premiere on 3 December with more images, no doubt.

World Debut for All-New Mazda3 Five-Door Hatchback at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the new-generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008.

The second generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback follows on the heels of the four-door sedan revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The new-generation Mazda3 five-door hatchback adopts the same characteristics as its sedan counterpart, offering sporty driving and a dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance.

Environmental-friendly qualities were top of mind during development, including efficient powertrains, Mazda typical lightweight engineering and amongst the best-in-class aerodynamics.

All petrol engine versions of the new-generation Mazda3 will offer even further advanced environmental performance, including the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed with single nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium.

The new engine lineup has been tailored for European customers and now includes the newly developed 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, just launched in the Mazda6. The new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is a high-performance clean diesel powerplant with top class output, fuel economy and refinement.

This new-generation diesel engine has outstanding emissions performance and complies with Euro Stage5 regulations. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also greatly improved compared to the current 2.0-litre version.

The all-new Mazda3 five-door hatchback will be revealed during Mazda’s press conference at 09:00am on December 3, 2008 (Italian time).