A week after the debut of the 2010 Mazda3 Sedan (known as the Axela in Japan) at the LA Auto Show, the Japanese automaker issued the first photographs of its new '3' hatchback that will make its world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 3, 2008. Not surprisingly, Mazda's new Ford Focus and VW Golf rival adopts the same fresh and more aggressive styling characteristics as its saloon counterpart.

The Japanese firm claims that under-the-skin changes include "more efficient powertrains, Mazda-typical weight saving engineering solutions and fine tuned 'best in class' aerodynamics." When it goes on sale in Europe in the first quarter of 2009, the Mazda3 5-door hatchback will be offered with a new range-topping 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine available with 150 and 185HP versions.

European buyers will also be able to opt for the existing 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the 1.6-litre turbo diesel. According to Mazda, all petrol engine versions of the new '3' will offer further environmental performance, including the world's first vehicle catalyst to be constructed using single nanotechnology.

In the North American market, the Mazda3 hatchback is expected to be offered with the same 2.0- and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines as the Sedan model.