Unfortunately, there are no signs of a manual transmission or a Mazdaspeed badge.
Mazda México / Screenshot by Chris Paukert / Roadshow
Mazda fans have been clamoring for a new Mazdaspeed3 for many years, and it looks like the Japanese automaker is about to deliver an enthusiastic-minded new sports compact model, albeit without a Mazdaspeed badge.
We have known for a while that a Mazda3 Turbo has been Waiting on the wings, and thanks to what appears to be a video posted prematurely on YouTube by Mazda Mexico and discovered by Road & Track, we now have a good idea about its key specs: 227 horsepower and a robust torque of 310 pound-feet, At least in Mexican specification.That power will come from Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, an engine that also sees duty in the CX-5 SUV and Mazda6 sedan. Like other Mazda3 models, the power plant will come with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic gearbox, not to mention any manual offering.
The video is still live at the time of publication and is included below:
While those are healthy numbers, they also help illustrate why this car hasn’t necessarily been blessed with Mazdaspeed credentials. The last Mazdaspeed3 we got in the US came out after the 2013 model year, and that front-drive model’s 2.3-liter turbo delivered significantly more horsepower – 263 horsepower – but also much less torque – 280 pound-feet . It’s also worth noting that the Mazda3 Turbo 2021 in the American and Canadian markets could be tuned to receive slightly different horsepower figures to account for things like local fuel quality and emissions regulations.
Either way, it will be interesting to see how performance compares to the old car, as the new model’s AWD and top pair should give it an offline advantage, even if it doesn’t share the old car’s craze, very edgy nature. For reference, the 2013 Mazdaspeed3 hit 60 mph in less than six seconds, about a second faster than today’s standard 186-hp Mazda3 with its 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine.
The Mazdaspeed3 of yesteryear also distinguished itself from less-lush models with suspension modifications and an aggressive body kit, among other tweaks. Conversely, if the Mazda3 shown in the Mazda Mexico video is an indication, the new model will look very similar to other garden variety 3s, with 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish and features like a system. 12-speaker Bose audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It is not immediately clear whether the new Mazda3 Turbo will be offered in sedan and hatchback versions, or whether the new Turbo will set the table for an eventual Mazdaspeed3 return. However, given the increasingly smooth sales volumes among compact passenger cars, we would not bet on it.
As for the full and official details of the Mazda3 Turbo market model, we should have more information this Wednesday. When contacted us for email comments, a Mazda spokesperson told Roadshow: “We can confirm that we will also receive the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo 2021 in the US. We will make an announcement with specific information related to the US market. 8/7 and we are happy to share our news with you. “
Stay tuned.
