By now, it should be no secret that Mazda is bringing back the turbo Mazda3, albeit only on the Sportback version. The Japanese carmaker has already released a teaser video announcing a July 8, 2020 global reveal, which marks some 13 years since a forced-induction Mazda3 was introduced for the first time.
Mazda is bringing back the turbocharged Mazda3 this month
That debut was made possible through then-grassroots racing team Mazdaspeed, adding extra structural bracing and subtle styling revisions while using perfectly a road-legal Mazda3 hatchback as the base. A 2.3L MZR turbo engine took care of propulsion, with 263 hp and 380 Nm of torque on tap along with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The second-generation Mazdaspeed3 came out in 2010, retaining the engine while sporting a revised transmission, suspension, and steering, as well as a limited slip differential.
No longer a Mazdaspeed variant, the upcoming third iteration sports a bigger 2.5L engine, but shifting duties have been transferred to a six-speed automatic. An all-wheel drivetrain has been heavily hinted at.
The Mazda Philippines Facebook page has dropped teasers of its own for our market
In the midst of all the excitement, Mazda Philippines managed to slip its own surprise on its Facebook page. The company sneakily shared closely-cropped photographs of what appears to be a Mazda3, with the date 07.08.2020 superimposed on the images – which happens to be the same date of the new turbo Mazda3’s world debut.
Is Mazda Philippines suggesting that the third-generation turbo Mazda3 will be arriving here as well? When you think about Mazda’s home market of Japan being just an hour ahead of the Philippines, our geographical proximity to the Land of the Rising Sun looks like it could work in our favor.
The current Mazda3 was adjudged the best-looking car in the world for 2020
>>> Related: Find the best Mazda 3 for sale in the Philippines
How are we so sure that this is the same model to begin with? We’re not, truth be told. But since we’re on the subject of healthy speculation, one of the captions that Mazda Philippines used reads: “Re-discover the most beautiful car in the world.” Remember that the current Mazda3 captured the World Car Design Award for the year 2020, and you’ll have some pretty delectable food for thought until July 8 rolls around.
More exciting automotive reveals come your way at Philkotse.com.
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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