It's official - first pictures of Mazda's new 3 hatchback

Set for debut at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3 (as noted in our reports from the 3 sedan launch over the weekend in California), the five-door is tipped to feature Mazda's new direct-injection petrol 2.0-litre four complete with stop/start technology.

Though Mazda is still tight lipped on the new generation engine, it has has however confirmed the 3 hatch will offer the option of the Japanese brand's newly-developed 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, just launched in the Mazda6. Don't expect the full 400Nm, but it should be a cracker nonetheless.

The new hatch is identical to the just-released sedan (more here) from the B-pllar forward. The new nose adds very little in overall length.

Behind, Mazda's designers say they have worked hard to give the hatch its own identity and lines more akin to a 2+2 coupe. In addition to extending and curving the lower side feature line up and into the C-pillar, Mazda's styling crew has used different rear bumper and valance treatments to make the hatch look shorter overall.

Expect the same sort of room as afforded by the sedan, and the same mix of proven engineering and some new bells and whistles.

The new hatchback body will also form the basis for the next generation 3MPS (more here). Unlike key competitors such as Subaru and Mitsubishi with their WRX and Ralliart Lancer respectively, Mazda does not plan to offer a sedan version of the MPS.

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