Mazda3 Turbo to deliver 420Nm

Just days before the wraps come off the new Mazda3 Turbo hot hatch, new details have emerged confirming the car's SKYACTIV-G turbo-petrol engine’s power and torque output.

And yes, it will be all-wheel drive too, providing the piping-hot Mazda3 with a unique selling point in a category largely populated by front-drive hot hatches.

The details were revealed by a video posted on Mazda Mexico's official YouTube channel.

While 170kW (227hp) doesn’t sound like much power – and is well down on rivals such as the Hyundai i30 N (202kW) and even the Volkswagen Golf GTI (180kW) – the Mazda3’s 420Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque is class-leading.

It matches the Focus ST (420Nm) and out-muscles the Renault Megane RS (390Nm) and even the Honda Civic Type R (400Nm).

And when coupled with AWD, the amount of torque should translate into a seriously quick 0-100km/h sprint time.

Also seen in the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs, the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine propels the Mazda6 mid-sizer to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds. That bodes well for the Mazda3 Turbo because it will be a lighter vehicle (about 1380kg v 1620kg).

Other details gleaned from the Mazda Mexico video include the fitment of a six-speed automatic transmission only, which may upset the purists who’ve been clamouring for a manual.

The first Mazda3 hot hatch since the Mazda3 MPS ended production in 2013 will be revealed in the US this Wednesday (July 8), but if the Mexican video is anything to go by the vehicle won’t get much show to match the go, with no bonnet scoop in sight – only a pair of black 18-inch alloy wheels to differentiate it.

The all-wheel-drive system gets a centre differential that can channel torque to the rear axle when required (such as under hard acceleration) and could also help mitigate understeer -- a bugbear of many high-torque front-drive hot hatches.

It also has a re-calibrated G-vectoring control system to improve handling and there will be two model grades for Latin American markets – Grand Touring and Signature models, the latter adding a 12-speaker BOSE stereo, leather seat trim, head-up display and so forth.

In Mexico pricing will start at 489,900 pesos ($A31,510) and although the new Mazda3 Turbo hasn’t been officially confirmed for Australia, nor has it been ruled out. Given the huge appetite for hot hatches in Australia, it’s all but guaranteed to come here.

“It’s something that Mazda Australia has expressed interest in, but we don’t have any news to share,” a spokesperson told carsales last month.

Mazda's new turbocharged small car looks set to leverage the brand’s high-performance Mazda3 TCR race car (pictured) and will provide the latest Mazda3 with a much-need halo model.