Could have up to 200 bhp (149 kW)

New details are starting to emerge about the 2014 Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed3.
Citing an unnamed engineer, Auto Express is reporting the model will likely return “but not as you would expect.” That's a little vague but the source says the car will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops up to 200 bhp (149 kW). If these numbers are correct, the car will be significantly less powerful than its predecessor which had a 2.3-liter engine with 256 bhp (191 kW) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque.
Speculation also suggests there could be a high-performance diesel engine but nothing is official as of yet.
The Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed3 will reportedly debut in December, so expect to learn more in the coming months.

 

2014 Mazda 3S Grand Touring First Drive on Edmunds.com


Not sure about the tuning for the Mazdaspeed3 but the 3 will have the 2.0 and 2.5 Skyactive engines currently available in the CX-5 and 6.


That 2.5 pumps 185hp and 180 lb/ft so it'll be more than enough to move <3k of car

This car is looking very good to me and is on my list along with a few other sensible but well packaged compacts:

Focus
Forte
Soul
Civic (maybe....)
Elantra GT

 

I would think the reason for the 2.0l and 200hp would be fuel economy and if natural aspire no premium gas needed. Not sure if there is much difference in weight between the 2.5 and 2.0.
Still I am not sure of the Kudo look for the entire line up.