2010 Mazdaspeed3 at 2009 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Honda Civic Si
• Looks like: Mazda’s new smiley face turned mean
• Drivetrain: 263-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2009

Mazda already released images and information on the new Mazdaspeed3 for the European market, but it's just now handing out details about the U.S. model today at the 2009 New York auto show. The car is based on the next-generation Mazda3 hatchback, but it retains the same engine as the outgoing Mazdaspeed3. The company said it didn’t need to add more power because 263 horses going to the front wheels of a compact car is plenty.

After testing and generally fawning over the outgoing Mazdaspeed3, we’d have to agree. However, the company wasn’t going to just let the hot hatch go untouched elsewhere.

The new body of this generation is more rigid than before, which allowed Mazda to make the suspension firmer without sacrificing ride comfort. The tires are also wider with more grip; a set of 225/40R18 Dunlop SP Sports is standard.

The hydraulic steering also adds electric assist to make low-speed steering lighter. The brakes have also been mildly updated, as has the transmission’s gearing.

There will be just one trim level of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, which comes with upgraded black cloth compared with the Mazda3. A Tech Package with navigation, keyless entry, push-button start and a 10-speaker Bose sound system will be available, but there won't be a Grand Touring trim with leather seats, as there was in the outgoing model lineup.

The company says it will still be the most powerful front-wheel-drive car under $25,000, but no firm price has yet been released. More photos of the European version are below. We'll have U.S. versions live later this morning.

Comments

I don't like the looks of the new Mazdaspeed3. The awful smiley face has now become a clown face with black lipstick in the photos above. The only way around that is to get the car in black.

Besides that, there are just too many lines and angles that don't complement each other. The ground effects pieces look like aftermarket add-ons put on by someone with more desire than skill.

I was really excited about the new mazda3 and and mazdaspeed version until I saw a base model last week. Good golly. It looked OK in pictures but up close, bleh.

It doesn't look like they've been able to do anything to save the looks on the speed version. A pillar back looks good though.

That being said leaving the powertrain the same was probably a good call.

Proteges were sporty and practical.

These new 3-s (Threes) have lost its practicality.

I could live with the smiley face but the cabin space in this car is not good.

I am not talking about this Mazda3, which is made for sport, I am talking about Mazda3 line in general. Why not bring a 1.8L engine back and not put it into a wagon version? Also, I don't know how Mazda is doing it but with every new model there is less and less room in the back seat.

Cool car, very excited for it. Wish they had made it a true competitor to WRX with AWD.

Considering trading in Mazdaspeed6 on this car.

Guessed they are right that 263 is plenty in FWD, how about making it AWD?
Also, this thing weighs more than the old one, so it means it is gonna be slower in drag race too. What is wrong with Mazda this time?

Well, speaking from personal research and ownership of a mazdaspeed6, I would say Mazda is not going to risk another AWD drivetrain in a sporty car.
The MS6 is infamous for having a weak engine, and a weak drivetrain. This is certainly exacerbated by the fact that the MS6's sporty package means people are going to mod it and ride it rough.

I think Mazda is just playing it safe, keep the engine in familiar territory and avoid AWD in anything but their SUV's. I don't blame them, but I still wish the MS3 was AWD.

I'm really tempted to bite the bullet and go WRX even though the fit and finish is not up to mazda levels and its rumoured that 09 wrx engines are grenading.

i used to love the look of all the mazdas (except the tribute), but this grille is killing me. they've gone too far.

Awesome styling. A few years from now no one will dislike this grille. I remember when the new Audi grille was coming out and everywhere had something negative to say about it. Don't hear that anymore do we? Gotta wait until you see it in person.

This car will never be AWD because it's not meant to be a rally - type like the evo and wrx (STi). However, it is considerably better than both the ralliart and wrx in every way. who cares about the new styling....its all in whats under the hood.

I love the looks of the car but don't like the fact that you can't get leather seats. Whats up with that? Why do they do stuff like that with options? If I were to get this car I'd go all out and get leather. I just paid off my '04 mazda 3i sedan and plan on running it for the next 4-5 years. Maybe by then they'll have a speed3 in the sedan too and it will be even cooler than this. Cmon mazda, you were sooooo close. Who makes decisions over there?