Brand Boost: Mazda 3 Gearing Up to Suck Air

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

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]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • R2s2 R2s2 on Jun 26, 2020

    I have an '18 Mazda6 Signature with (I think) that same, or similar, turbo 4. The 6 is a very nice car, but the turbo isn't all that. In fact, it seems sluggish next to my '17 Passat with VR6, which seems a rocket by comparison. Of course, things may be different for the smaller 3.

  • Ryan Ryan on Jun 26, 2020

    I’m a former Mazda owner. The Miata is a top shelf vehicle on its class. The CX5 is to herald too. The current Mazda 3? We expect better, Mazda. The current Mazda 3... (Self editing) Mazda, quit trying to move upmarket while 3/4’s of your current portfolio and dealerships operate at Mitsubishi levels.

  • EBFlex China can F right off.
  • MrIcky And tbh, this is why I don't mind a little subsidization of our battery industry. If the American or at least free trade companies don't get some sort of good start, they'll never be able to float long enough to become competitive.
  • SCE to AUX Does the WTO have any teeth? Seems like countries just flail it at each other like a soft rubber stick for internal political purposes.
  • Peter You know we’ve entered the age of self driving vehicles When KIAs go from being stolen to rolling away by themselves.
  • Analoggrotto TTAC is full of drug addicts with short memories. Just beside this article is another very beautiful article about how the EV9 was internationally voted by a renowned board of automotive experts who are no doubt highly educated, wealthy and affluent; the best vehicle in entire world. That's planet earth for you numbskulls. Let me repeat: the best vehicle in the world is the Kia EV9. Voted, and sealed, and if you try to deny it Fanny Willis is ready to prosecute you; but she will send her boyfriend instead because she is busy.
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