This all new sport compact was originally due to go on sale sometime in the last half of 2009, but will now hit showrooms in the summer of 2009 as a 2010 model year car.

Riding on Ford’s global C1 platform, the new Mazda 3 will measure in a bit longer and wider than the current model. The sportier-looking Mazda 3 will also get a small bump in horsepower – as well as a boost in its MPG.

A look inside revealed that this 3 saloon is packing a 6-speed transmission. That's one more gear than the current model. Also visible were buttons for heated seats, satellite radio and an MP3 hard drive. That probably tells us we're looking at a Grand Touring saloon prototype. Under the hood, Mazda MZR line of motors will get a bump in power and further tweaking for fuel savings.

Expect the current 2.3-litre motor to be bored out to around 2.5 litre. That should give it a 20 to 30 bhp bump from the current 156 bhp rating. The 2.0-litre base motor probably won't see an increase in displacement, but a 10 to 15 bhp increase is probably a good bet. Watch for an official debut at the LA Auto Show in November.