The Mazdaspeed3 lasted just two generations over six model years, but it left a lasting mark on enthusiasts. A direct competitor to the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Si, and Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Mazdaspeed3 was a proper hot hatch that is unlikely to return to Mazda’s lineup anytime soon, despite the speculation.
A report circulating alleges the Japanese automaker is preparing to launch a performance variant of the hatchback soon. It would supposedly have a turbocharged engine producing more than 295 horsepower, but that appears to be untrue.
In an interview with Australia's Drive, Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, squashed any notion that Mazda is readying a hotter Mazda3. He bluntly told the publication:
The current-generation Mazda3 launched at the end of the 2010s and is starting to feel dated compared to its competitors, but consumers don’t seem to care. Sales for the compact car are exploding right now, up 145.5 percent in October. So far this year, Mazda has sold 36,020 3s, a 48.4 percent increase.
Under the hood is either a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged variant, with the top engine making up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Mazda still offers buyers a choice between a six-speed manual and a traditional six-speed automatic.
What the current-generation Mazda3 lacks in horsepower, it makes up for in its ride and handling. Mazda knows well that you don’t need a lot of power to have fun behind the wheel of its cars.
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