By Kamil Kaluski
Just yesterday we told you how the 2020 Mazda3 is the best in its class. We told you that it is pretty and feels upscale. More importantly, we told you how well it handles and drives. We also said that its chassis could easily handle more power.
Overnight someone at Mazda read that review. This morning Mazda issued a press release that a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Mazda3 is coming for the 2021 model year. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Yes, it is the same 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, 2.5-liter turbo engine that we’ve seen in the CX-5 and CX-9. It’s tuned for the smaller Mazda3 and it will transform that vehicle into the small sporty Mazda sedan we once knew.
The hair-blower model will be available on both the sedan and hatchback versions. Mazda only mentions distinctive turbo trim differences and two available models of the turbo 3. There is no mention of transmission choices or prices. Ideally, it would have a manual and an automatic (Mazda does not do CVT, thank you) choices and be priced similarly to the aging Subaru WRX.
The 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo will be available later this year. Sigh-up for updated on Mazda’s website.
Ross Ballot
From what has been said online, there will be no manual available. That’s a deal killer for me in a small sporty car. This coming from the former owner of a 2nd gen Mazdaspeed 3 that was purchased new off the lot. I’d like another one, but the automatic kills it, at least for me.
I agree. For a car that obviously encroaches upon the WRX’s hunting grounds, the lack of a manual option is a mistake. Bad move, Mazda.
I think they’re going after the A3/CLA/new 2-Series instead of GTI/WRX, where the auto isn’t so much of a liability.
Ah. Hence my complete lack of interest in the A3/CLA/2-Series…
Current gen-pu owner agrees with the notion that this is un-purchase-able.
But recognizes how he’s a member of a dwindling niche, and is thankful Mazda still exists at all.
And looks forward to his next three-pedal zoom-zoom drive, while praying the legend of Japanese well-built-ness applies to his aging, rorty steed…
They’re all but gone now. A well executed automated manual is perhaps the next best thing, but full manual transmissions are turning from niche to anachronism.
at this price point you owe yourself a VW GTI. if you’re shopping below this near-luxury level then get n/a Mazda 3. unfortunately the turbro engine and trim makes little sense in this car