Does the idea of forced induction on an already-sporty Mazda3 sound, well, forced? Apparently, Mazda doesn’t think so. In response to incessant tweets asking when the model will actually come to embody Mazda’s “zoom zoom” ideal, the Japanese carmaker has released a teaser video hinting at what’s next for the hatchback version of its award-winning compact car.
The world will see a return of the Mazda3 turbo on July 8
The cryptic 13-second clip doesn’t even mention the Mazda3 by name, just the sound of a seemingly angry four-cylinder that’s raring to bust out of the garage. In between snippets of a dynamic red background, the ad announces July 8, 2020 as the date of the variant’s arrival.
Mazda has made no secret of its plans to bolt a turbo on the Mazda3 Sportback’s 2.5L SkyActiv mill. The last time the model ran around with a blower under the hood was by way of a turbocharged 2.3L MZR L-Series engine in 2013, which was incidentally the final year with Mazdaspeed bits. This time around, those hoping for a return of the performance badge will be sorely disappointed. An all-wheel drivetrain has yet to be confirmed, but is strongly hinted at.
Turbocharging was last seen on the Mazda3 during its third generaition
If it does come to pass, the model will likely end up with the same engine powering the Mazda6, CX-5, and CX-9 that kicks up 250 hp and 420 Nm of torque. This puts the VW GTI and the Subaru WRX within the Mazda3's crosshairs. Unfortunately, the only way for the Mazda to swap cogs would be through a six-speed automatic.
The new turbo Mazda3 passes on a manual gearbox in favor of an automatic
On the non-performance side of things, a new Mazda 3 variant is rumored to pack a 2.0L engine, slotting below the current naturally-aspirated 2.5L for the U.S. market. There’s also talk of Mazda coming up with Anniversary editions of its entire vehicle lineup in 2021 featuring a white-and-red color scheme with unique badging, commemorating the company’s founding in 1920. The carmaker has neither confirmed nor denied the speculations.
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Know more about Mazda 3 2024
The 2023 Mazda3 is a compact sedan sold in the Philippines. Locally, the sedan version of this model has two variants: the Mazda3 Sport 2.0 AT, and the Mazda3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT. Mazda 3 price Philippines starts at ₱1,495,000 for the entry-level Mazda3 Sport 2.0 AT, while the top-of-the-line Mazda3 M Hybrid 2.0 AT is priced at ₱1,695,000.
For engines, the Mazda3 has two engine options. The Sport trim uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, while the M Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline that works in conjunction with an integrated electric starter motor. At maximum, the non-hybrid engine can make 152 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. The one with the hybrid powertrain in turn, can produce 162 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. Both versions are front-wheel-drive, and both use a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
Size-wise, the Philippine-spec Mazda3 is 4,660mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,445mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,725mm.
Locally, the Mazda3 2023 competes against the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Kia Forte, among others.
₱ 1,495,000 - ₱ 1,695,000
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