This guy, the hot hatch version of the Mazda 3, has been rumored, sliced and diced and nearly served up before it made its debut, that there was so much press flying around its introduction that we had to let the dust settle before mentioning it. So here it is, the 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan and hatchback wagon, and best of all the Mazda3 Mazdaspeed.

Motivated by a 2.3 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Mazdaspeed variant should be good for around 268hp. Also, the hot version should use the newly developed RevoKnuckle FWD suspension system from corporate partner Ford Focus RS, but sadly an AWD set-up has been ruled out.

The easiest way to tell the Mazdaspeed variety from its lesser brethren will be the HUGE hood scoop for the turbo, along with the oversized air-intakes in the front bumper, a rear diffuser, large-diameter twin-exhaust pipes, and a big-assed rear wing. The Mazda3 Mazdaspeed goes on sale in Europe in the second quarter this year and should reach American shores before 2011. Mazda will also be offering a 3 series variant that will feature i-stop – a fuel-saving engine stop-start feature.

Source: MotorAuthority