The new Mazdaspeed 3 t comes with two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has 148 horsepower and 135 lb.-feet of torque; and a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a borrowed power train from a larger Maza6, with 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-feet of torque. Both the engine has a highly developed electronic throttle actuation. The 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 has a five- and six-speed manual transmission, as well as a five-speed automatic transmission with the Sport-AT manual shift mode as option. This could become as big a hit as the Mazda mx-3, I’m sure!

The 2.0-liter engine has great fuel efficiency with a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg for manual transmission and 24mpg with automatic transmission, both in city driving. For highway driving, it delivers 33mpg with both transmissions. The 2.5-liter engine gives 21mpg with manual transmission and 22mpg for automatic. It delivers 29mpg with both transmissions for highway driving.

For the exterior, the 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 beams with a bigger hood-scoop to allow cool air enter the intercooler mounted at the top. It has round fog lights, side sills, a specialized grille, a taller rear spoiler, and bigger rims that make the performance-based Mazdaspeed 3 stand out from the rest of the base models.

The 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 is expected to arrive at the US this fall with a base price that is close to the current model’s price of $23,410.