The latest-generation Mazda3 has proven itself to be a winner and chances are it will soon be made even better.
While the Mazda3 is currently available with a host of good engines, including the marque’s innovative new Skyactiv-X powertrain, there is one thing that it’s lacking and that is forced induction. Well, that looks set to change.
The crew over at Jalopnik claims to have received screenshots from Mazda’s extranet system used by U.S. dealerships that show the 2021 model year Mazda3 will be offered with a turbocharged engine in both sedan and hatchback body styles. In case that isn’t enough to get you excited, it will also be sold with all-wheel drive. Oh yes.
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The publication adds that in the dealer system, all turbocharged Mazda3 models are listed as ‘6A’ meaning they will only be available with an automatic transmission and not the manual gearbox that is available with lesser variants. This won’t be a concern for the vast majority of buyers, however.
Another interesting tidbit is that the turbocharged, all-wheel drive Mazda3 variants are listed as ‘PP’ models in the dealer system. In all likelihood, this stands for Premium Package but there’s an outside chance it could mean Performance Package, although we wouldn’t hold our breath.
Details about the turbocharged engine bound for the Mazda3 remain unclear. However, there’s a good probability it will be the same 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder used by models including the Mazda6, CX-5, and CX-9. This powertrain is good for 250 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It remains to be seen whether Mazda will put that much power in its compact car without adding the coveted ‘Mazdaspeed’ moniker to it.
