We should have been keeping an eye on our neighbors to the south, who did us the favor of showing off the turbocharged 2021 Mazda3 last week. The automaker teased the reveal for the U.S. market to happen on July 8. It's reasonable to expect slight changes between our two countries, but the Mexico introduction makes a good base to know what we're getting. The prime specs: 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G turbocharged four-cylinder with 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. As suspected, this is the same engine found in the Mazda6, CX-5, and CX-9. As such, we expect those output figures are based on using 87 octane gasoline; in the other three Mazda offerings, 93 octane gas unlocks 250 hp and 320 lb-ft. So at worst, the Mazda3 turbo makes 41 hp and 124 lb-ft more than the naturally-aspirated engine in the current hatch and sedan. At best, the improvement runs to 64 hp and 124 lb-ft.

Comparing the turbo Mazda3 to the segment-standard Volkswagen Golf GTI, the incoming 2021 German will make 241 hp and 273 lb-ft.

Only a test drive will reveal how the battle of sportiness vs luxury turns out for the Mazda. The numbers make a case for the former, but there's enough of the latter to sway us into believing this will primarily be a quicker Mazda3, with nary a hardcore edge. The only transmission mentioned is a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters that sends power to both axles via mandatory all-wheel drive. In Mexico there are only two Mazda3 trims, which start at 329,990 pesos ($17,050 U.S.) and 429,900 pesos ($19,294 U.S.). The turbo will introduce two new trims there that start at 489,900 pesos ($21,987 U.S.) and 529,900 pesos ($23,782 U.S.), MSRP increases of about 29%. For the supplemental dosh, the Mazda3 turbo in Mexico comes with a leather interior, sunroof, 12-speaker Bose audio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring and auto-tint side mirrors, reversing sensors, and black 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Other than those black wheels and some badging, though, there's nothing to differentiate the forced-induction model from the naturally aspirated one. When a Jalopnik source tipped that site to some 2021MY Mazdas based on dealer codes, there was a "MAZDA3 HB PP TURBO." That "PP" likely stands for Premium Package, which is the highest trim offered on our Mazda3 right now, already comes with 18-inch black wheels, and starts at $28,445 after destination. U.S.-market models also already come standard with features like LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and the two infotainment smartphone connections, so there's no reason to expect such a large price gap here. The big point being: This is looking like a faster version of the fanciest Mazda3.

We have just two days to wait for the U.S. reveal and relevant specs for the 50 states. South of Texas, the Mazda3 turbo opens up for pre-orders on July 20, deliveries of the hatch starting later this year, the sedan getting its boosted four-cylinder some time after that. On July 8, we might also find out about what's happening with the rest of the range, that Jalopnik source passing on info about a 2021 Mazda3 with the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X engine that's on our anticipated list as well.

The Skyactiv-G 2.5 T engine is available on the Mazda3 GT and Mazda3 Sport GT and comes standard with Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM, Bose® 12-speaker premium audio, 8.8-inch large centre display with Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio, two front USB inputs and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry. Complementing the feel of refined performance, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, leather-wrapped shift ****, leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, and aluminum speaker grilles are also standard on the GT Turbo models. Other premium interior features include power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, exterior mirrors linked with memory seat function, navigation, and SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link® services with complimentary 5-year trial subscription. To encourage peace of mind, the Mazda3 GT Turbo includes standard i-Activsense safety technologies such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with stop and go function, Smart Brake Support (SBS), Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) with Lane-Keep Assist (LAS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and High Beam Control (HBC). Exclusive to the turbo offering are larger tailpipes, 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, gloss black heated door mirrors, and “TURBO” badge on the trunk and engine cover. The Mazda3 GT Turbo sedan also features a gloss black front grille and sleek lower front bumper decoration.

Further supporting driving confidence, the available top-tier Premium Package for the 2021 Mazda3 GT Turbo introduces all-new i-Activsense safety technologies: Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) enhances Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) by providing steering inputs at speeds under 65 km/h (40 mph); Smart Brake Support Rear (SBS-R) with Smart Brake Support Rear Crossing (SBS-RC) will automatically apply the brakes when the vehicle is in reverse, if an obstacle or a crossing vehicle is detected. The 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors is now available on the Mazda3 with high-definition digital clarity. These advancements in safety technology build upon other features such as Mazda’s Active Driving Display head-up unit and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which help the Mazda3 stand out among entry-level premium vehicles. The Premium Package also includes driver’s side auto-dimming exterior mirror, exterior mirrors with reverse tilt-down function, front wiper de-icer, and frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® wireless control system.