Enthusiasts have been moaning about the loss of the Mazdaspeed3 for the better part of a decade. It sounds like Mazda heard them – loud and clear.
Last year, Mazda hinted at the turbo’s return to Car & Driver. Jalopnik first reported that dealers have been given information about the return of the turbo option and Hagerty has confirmed the news. Now, a teaser from Mazda has announced that something new (that sounds a lot like a turbo engine in the video) is coming on July 8, 2020
Prepare for Launch
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The turbocharged engine that will be added to the Mazda3 is likely the zippy 2.5-liter four-cylinder that is already part of the company’s lineup. That engine produces 227 horsepower when fueled with 87 octane and 250 when fueled with 93 octane according to reporting by Hagerty.
Sorry Save the Manuals fans, the new four-pot is not going to be paired with a manual transmission. Mazda is set to pair it with the company’s six-speed automatic transmission, and make it available exclusively in the Premium Plus trim.
Premium Plus is a new trim level for the automaker. According to information sent to dealers, it will join the current grade lineup that includes Select, Preferred, and Premium models. A 100th Anniversary edition of the Mazda3 is expected for the new model year as well.
Reportedly, the Mazda3 turbo will only be available with all-wheel drive.
The model will only be available with all-wheel drive.Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations
Additional reporting by Jalopnik says that the Anniversary edition of the model will get a Snowflake White Pearl paint job and red seats.
