#bi-xenon

After the Mazda3 Sedan was unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show, North American audiences will be treated to their first look at the Mazda3 Hatchback when it makes its US debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this January.

Looking much like its sedan counterpart, the hatchback has even more European flare. In fact, it looks shocking like something that might roll out of a Peugeot assembly plant.

As for engines, the base powerplant remains the same with a 148 hp and 135 ft-lbs 2.0L four-cylinder. The S model does, however, receive a power increase thanks to a larger 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Power for the S is now rated at a significant 167hp and 168 ft-lbs of torque. The base model comes with a five-speed manual and the S comes with a new six-speed manual. An optional five-speed automatic is available for both models.

Fuel economy has also been improved with a 25/33 mpg city/highway rating for the base engine with the manual transmission and a 21/29 mpg city/highway rating for the S with the manual.

Highlights include a Bluetooth system and a push-button ignition. The Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback will also be the first compact cars in North America to come with Bi-xenon headlights.

Official release after the jump: