2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 spied - New 2010 Mazda3 hatchback caught testing - Spied Vehicles

With its winning combination of pleasing looks, high-end features, and fun-to-drive dynamics, the present Mazda3 continues to win comparison tests despite being on the market mostly unchanged since 2004. Even so, going on five years is a long time in the car world, and now Mazda is readying its all-new, 2010 Mazda3 to keep the compact fresh. Official photos of the new Mazda3 sedan hit the Web recently, stirring up a lot of excitement, but lacking any specs or additional info many enthusiasts were left wondering -- what about a new 2010 MazdaSpeed3?

Wonder no more, because the Hiroshima automaker's latest road-rocket has been spotted out in the open testing on Germany's famed Nurburgring, wearing just a minimum of camo. The first new MazdaSpeed model since 2007, this also marks a debut of sorts for the new 3's hatchback bodywork. More so than the sedan, this hatch resembles the current Mazda3 five-door, particularly in profile, although through all the black tape the car's new, smiling grille, angular headlights, and prominent wheel arches can be clearly seen, along with a rising beltline and revised side detailing. Of course, as part of the 'Speed3 treatment this particular Mazda hatch has also been kicked up a notch, including the addition of a body kit, dual-exhaust, rear diffuser, new wheels, a slightly larger rear wing, and a new, bulging hood.

Oh, yeah, about that hood -- instead of the current model's prominent lower air-intake, Mazda has decided to go the route of its Mini and Subaru rivals by adding a seriously large hood scoop, which appears functional and hints at some serious forced induction within. While details are still unknown, word is the new MazdaSpeed3 will offer a larger 2.5L four-cylinder under the hood, and if the 2010 MazdaSpeed3 includes a turbo version of this mill, expect a significant improvement on the present car's 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This would give what is already one of the power leaders in the hot-hatch segment even more brawn, and no doubt improve on the current model's 0-to-60 mph time of 6.0 sec. Still up in the air is if the new MazdaSpeed3 will move from a front drive to AWD, but the smart money is on it staying front drive like its high-end Ford Focus RS cousin.

The new, 2010 Mazda3 sedan will make its public debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November, but whether the MazdaSpeed3 joins it or is held back for a later show -- possibly Detroit -- remains to be seen. Subaru and Mitsubishi have recently upped their games with a more powerful WRX and new Lancer Ralliart, respectively, but if the 2010 MazdaSpeed3 continues its tradition of offering serious go-fast ability for a relatively low price (2008 models start at just $23,410), Mazda should stay a major player for at least another five years.