Turbocharged Mazda3 Puts an End to Rumours
The rumours turned out to be true: a higher-performing, turbocharged version of the Mazda3 is indeed coming for 2021. It’s a more powerful Mazda3 GT and not a new Mazdaspeed3, however.
The 2021 Mazda3 will be available with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The same engine can be found in the Mazda6, CX-5 and CX-9. It even delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when using premium gasoline.
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For comparison, the current Mazda3 GT puts out 186 horsepower and as many pound-feet of torque.
In both the sedan and five-door hatchback, the turbo engine will send power to all four wheels, which is great. The bad news is that customers won’t be allowed to select the manual transmission as only the six-speed autobox (with paddle shifters) will be available in this case.
In Canada, the 2021 Mazda3 GT Turbo will feature a 12-speaker Bose premium audio, 8.8-inch large centre display, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, plus standard i-Activsense safety technologies such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Adaptive Front-lighting system and High Beam Control.
Exclusive to the turbo offering are larger tailpipes, 18-inch black alloy wheels and gloss black heated door mirrors. The sedan adds a gloss black front grille and sleek lower front bumper decoration.
In addition, the recently announced Mazda3 100th Anniversary Edition will also be powered exclusively by the 2.5T engine.
The 2021 Mazda3 GT Turbo is expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of this year with a base price of $32,900 for the sedan and $33,900 for the hatchback.