Brand Boost: Mazda 3 Gearing Up to Suck Air

A report earlier this year may have been what many longtime Mazda fans yearned to hear: that the company stands prepared to dump extra horses on its compact 3 sedan and hatch. Floundering since its launch, the little 3 could use a boost — in a number of ways.

Model codes ripped from a dealer’s computer system seemed to indicate a greater level of performance was on the way, and on Thursday Mazda confirmed just that.

As journos salivated at the thought of last night’s F-150 reveal, Mazda began tagging Twitter users who once expressed enthusiasm for a turbocharged Mazda 3 (following that round of earlier reporting).

Power comes to those who wait. https://t.co/J3VmsghyfV

— Mazda USA (@MazdaUSA) June 25, 2020

There’s not much to see in this teaser, but there’s plenty to hear: a turbo motor getting ready to cut loose. Mazda reveals a debut date of July 8th, which should make for a busy month coming up.

Other models in the brand’s lineup benefit from a turbocharged 2.5-liter that makes either 227 horsepower or 250 hp, depending on the octane of gas it slurps. Regardless of output, the engine delivers 310 lb-ft of torque.

In the 3, dealer codes tell us the new mill will set up shop in all-wheel drive variants of the sedan and hatchbacks, and mate only to an automatic transmission. The document also lists an “HB PP” model, the identity of which remains open to speculation.

There won’t be much time for guessing, as the reveal is less than two weeks away. Undoubtedly, Mazda fans who called upon the brand to inject extra muscle into their favorite compact have had their prayers answered, though the standard AWD and autobox might temper a few would-be buyers’ enthusiasm. That extra kit means higher prices; indeed, Mazda’s efforts to push the 3 into a semi-upscale bracket did see buyers vacate the brand, much to the enjoyment of rivals Honda and Toyota.

Sales should be something to watch.

[Image: Mazda]