It’s been years since loyal Mazda fans started clamoring for a new Mazdaspeed3. Now, it looks like the Japanese automaker is finally launching a sport compact model, although without the highly requested Mazdaspeed badging.
Mazda, according to a video recently released by Mazda Mexico on YouTube, seems to be preparing to roll out the Mazda3 Turbo, which has been rumored for release for a while now.
Road & Track was the first to spot the video and report that the upcoming model will be equipped with Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, the same engine that powers the CX-5 SUV and Mazda5 sedan.
Like other models from the lineup, the new Turbo will be built with an all-wheel-drive layout paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. It will also reportedly deliver 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, although there was no mention whether a manual gearbox will also be available.
However, it appears the future model isn’t getting the Mazdaspeed3 badging, contrary to what fans have been requesting. Looking at the numbers, it’s easy to understand why.
Mazda has not released a Mazdaspeed3-badged vehicle in the United States since the 2013 model year. The last time it did was for a front-wheel-drive model powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine that makes 263 horsepower and a significantly lower 280 lb-ft of torque.
Additionally, the 2021 Mazda3 Turbo made for U.S. and Canada can be easily fine-tuned to get different power figures for better fuel quality and meet emissions regulations. Perhaps, the automaker doesn’t see the need to release another Mazdaspeed3 badge for now.
With or without the badge, though, it would still be interesting to see how the model performs when it arrives.
Asked for more information about the release of the Mazda3 Turbo, a spokesperson for the brand said, “We can confirm that we will also be receiving the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo in the US. We will be making an announcement with specific information related to the U.S. market on July 8, and are excited to share our news with you then.”
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