2020 MAZDA3 TURBO
2020 MAZDA3 TURBO
Posted on July 28, 2020
The Mazda3 was originally launched back in 2003 at the Paris Auto Salon and has been a strong seller for the Hiroshima automaker ever since. There have even been times when the car has taken “Best Selling Car in Canada” spot from the Honda Civic and certainly, there are large numbers of Mazda3s on Canadian roads.
The latest version is the fourth generation car, introduced last year, and for 2021, Mazda is bringing us a high performance turbocharged variant that’s a most welcome addition to the range. As always, sedan and hatchback styles are available and it’s great to get that choice.
Mazda3s have always been great looking cars, but the latest one takes this a stage further. The car has graceful, flowing, almost organic lines that are not easy to achieve in what is basically a compact vehicle. It’s perhaps no surprise that the car was presented with the prestigious World Car Design of the Year Award.
The Turbo version comes as a luxuriously-equipped, top-of-the-line car and has standard all-wheel drive. The price is therefore a fair bit more than that of the non-turbo Mazda3 but the automaker figures that this is the way most buyers will want it and they’re probably right.
The heart of this car is, of course, the engine, a Skyactiv 2.5-litre turbocharged unit developing a hefty 250-horsepower and a massive 320 lb-ft of torque. You have to use premium 93-octane fuel to get the best out of this engine, but that’s the case with most turbos in our experience. There’s a lot of power available but it’s safely dealt with by the i-Activ all-wheel drive system. The car uses a six-speed automatic transmission. Some enthusiasts will bemoan the absence of a manual gearbox, but with power and torque like this, you couldn’t get significantly more performance out of the car going that route.
Confirming the car’s high-end status among Mazda3s, it comes with a power moonroof, an 8-8-inch infotainment screen, a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Paddle shifters for some manual control, a head-up display on the windshield, heated seats and mirrors, LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and many other worthwhile goodies. Capping off the exterior styling are 18-inch black alloy wheels.
For performance car fans, there hasn’t been a Mazda as tempting as this one for years and it’s a great choice for anyone wanting to combine sportiness with practicality – especially if the hatchback is opted for. Mazda3s have always been great fun to drive at any level but expect this one to be the most enjoyable yet.
SPECS AT A GLANCE...
BODY STYLE: Hatchback or sedan
ENGINE: 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (optional) or base 2.0-litre 4-cylinder and 2.5-litre 4-cylinder powerplants
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic (manual available on non-turbo models)
PERFORMANCE: Not yet available
FUEL ECONOMY: Not yet announced by federal authorities
PRICE: Mazda3 Turbo from $32,900. Basic Mazda3 starts at $20,500
