The new Hatchback will feature the same engines as those planned for the Sedan variant. This means it will be launched with two new engines, a 148hp (110kW) 2.0L four-cylinder with 135lb-ft (183Nm) of torque and a 167hp (124kW) 2.5L unit with 168lb-ft (227Nm) of torque. Both engines employ advanced electronic throttle actuation.
For European markets a newly developed 2.2L turbodiesel engine will also be available. The engine, which was just launched in the Mazda6, will output 182hp (136kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque while delivering fuel economy figures of around 42mpg (5.6L/100km) - making it the most efficient engine in the lineup.
A slick-shifting five-speed and six-speed manual transmission as well as a five-speed electronically controlled Sport-AT automatic transmission are also be available depending on the model. The most frugal of the petrol units is the 2.0L unit equipped with a manual transmission, and it is rated at 25mpg (9.4L/100km) in the city and 33mpg (7.1L/100km) on the highway for the heavier Sedan. Fuel economy in the Sedan with the automatic transmission comes in at 24mpg (9.8L/100km) and 33mpg (7.1L/100km) respectively.
Some premium features of the car not normally found in this segment include optional self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps, a multi-function display, satnav, electronically adjustable seats with memory functions, an ambient lighting system, dual-zone air conditioning, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod connection and Sirius satellite radio. Other options include rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated seats.
Further down the track, Mazda will introduce a high-performance Mazdaspeed (MPS) model, which you can see spy shots of by clicking here.
