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June 4, 2020

Yes, a Turbocharged Mazda3 is Finally Happening in 2021


It’s happening, it’s finally happening! The Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf GTI will be getting some competition from…drum rolls, please…the 2021 Mazda3. Yes, reports coming out suggest that Mazda’s compact hatchback will finally get the turbocharged engine it deserves.

According to automotive website Jalopnik, a listing in Mazda’s very own dealer extranet system shows that the 2021 Mazda3 will be offered with a turbocharged engine along with all-wheel drive. This configuration is said to be on offer for both sedan and hatchback versions. The sole transmission, the listing says, is a 6-speed automatic.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The same listing shows a turbocharged, all-wheel drive “Anniversary Edition.” Since this is likely Japan’s 100th Anniversary Special Edition for the U.S. market, don’t expect a long wait for the sportier Mazda3 to make an appearance (the end of sale for these special edition models is pegged until the end of 2020). Aside from this, another listing, the “Mazda3 HB PP Turbo” could indicate some sort of performance or premium package which could serve as the top-rung variant of the Mazda3.

As for the exact engine, Mazda has said time and time again that the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Turbo engine fits well into the Mazda3’s engine bay. If they’re sticking to this line of thinking, this performance-oriented Mazda3 should get around 231 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. While it falls short of the WRX’s 268 horsepower, it eclipses Subaru’s 350 Nm of torque output.

Now, before screaming “Mazdaspeed,” Mazda engineers said that this juvenile sort of thinking is unbefitting of Mazda’s upscale, sophisticated positioning. With this mind, expect the Mazda3 Turbo to be more of an effortless grand tourer with a sporty edge.

Aside from the turbocharged Mazda3, the U.S. market will also be getting “Carbon Edition” models of the CX-5, CX-9, and Mazda6.

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