The 2021 Mazda 3 Will Finally Get A Turbo
06-03-20 | 02:55 PM
#2
The 2021 Mazda 3 Will Finally Get A Turbo
It's turbo time
https://jalopnik.com/the-2021-mazda-...rbo-1843884157
After years of screaming for it, and mild speculation almost exactly a year ago that it could happen, Mazda’s dealership model codes for the 2021 model year finally introduce a turbocharged Mazda 3.Details of a Mazda dealership’s extranet system sent in to Jalopnik from an accurate source (who was right about the diesel CX-5's eventual second-debut last year) appear to show a bevy of new model codes for the Mazda 3, 6, CX-5 and CX-9 for the 2021 model year. It all hints to some exciting stuff we should see very, very soon.
The big news is that, as seen in screenshots of Mazda’s dealer system sent to Jalopnik, it appears the 2021 Mazda 3 will be offered with a turbo trim on the sedan and hatchback bodies. It will only be available with all-wheel drive.
More interestingly, there’s the “MAZDA3 HB PP TURBO” in the list. “HB” stands for hatchback, and “PP”could stand for a number of things. Is it shorthand for “Preferred Package,” “Premium Package,” or potentially a “Performance Package?” It’s not yet clear.
HOWEVER, all turbo models are only listed as “6A,” which would mean they’re only available with an automatic. The 2.5-liter hatchback is still the only manual Mazda 3 (that suddenly seems easier to turbocharge yourself).
Other changes appear to include a base 2.0-liter sedan and a base 2.5-liter hatchback with cloth seats. There’s also an “Anniversary Edition” turbo all-wheel-drive hatchback in “Snowflake White Pearl” and special red seats for the 3, and the same option will be available on the all-wheel drive CX-5.
Speaking of, the CX-5, CX-9 and Mazda 6 will all get a new “Carbon Edition,” which is likely an appearance package with, you guess it, carbon fiber.
Why the Anniversary Edition 3 can’t be justified with a manual is beyond me. Mazda declined to confirm anything when I reached out, so we’ll come back to this issue when I can ask them directly after things are officially revealed.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate a good car getting more power.
The big news is that, as seen in screenshots of Mazda’s dealer system sent to Jalopnik, it appears the 2021 Mazda 3 will be offered with a turbo trim on the sedan and hatchback bodies. It will only be available with all-wheel drive.
More interestingly, there’s the “MAZDA3 HB PP TURBO” in the list. “HB” stands for hatchback, and “PP”could stand for a number of things. Is it shorthand for “Preferred Package,” “Premium Package,” or potentially a “Performance Package?” It’s not yet clear.
HOWEVER, all turbo models are only listed as “6A,” which would mean they’re only available with an automatic. The 2.5-liter hatchback is still the only manual Mazda 3 (that suddenly seems easier to turbocharge yourself).
Other changes appear to include a base 2.0-liter sedan and a base 2.5-liter hatchback with cloth seats. There’s also an “Anniversary Edition” turbo all-wheel-drive hatchback in “Snowflake White Pearl” and special red seats for the 3, and the same option will be available on the all-wheel drive CX-5.
Speaking of, the CX-5, CX-9 and Mazda 6 will all get a new “Carbon Edition,” which is likely an appearance package with, you guess it, carbon fiber.
Why the Anniversary Edition 3 can’t be justified with a manual is beyond me. Mazda declined to confirm anything when I reached out, so we’ll come back to this issue when I can ask them directly after things are officially revealed.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate a good car getting more power.
Last edited by Hoovey689; 06-03-20 at 02:59 PM.
06-03-20 | 04:29 PM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
This is not the first time there has been a turbo Mazda 3. I'm sure many of you remember the MazdaSpeed 3, which was offered some years ago. The torque steer on it was bad enough that engineers had to strictly limit the torque in the lower gears....so it is probably not surprising that it will be offered only in AWD this time.
06-03-20 | 05:31 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Why do you say that?
I'm no speed-freak myself, but I still find the argument strange that a turbo option, and/or more power, will not increase is potential appeal. Ruling out a manual-transmission option may actually have more effect, although few folks today outside of die-hard enthusiasts choose a traditional three-pedal transmission anyway.
Last edited by mmarshall; 06-03-20 at 05:35 PM.
06-03-20 | 06:56 PM
#7
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From: ON/NY
Trending Topics
06-03-20 | 08:20 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Exactly. I've said, several times, that torsion-beam rear-ends are not the pariah that many enthusiasts think they are. In fact, in most normal driving, unless you are really pushing it, it can be difficult to tell the difference in ride and handling between a well-designed torsion-beam rear end and IRS. What usually makes a lot more difference is tires....not always, but, in general, all else equal, the lower the tire-profile, the more sport, and less comfort, there will be in the driving dynamics.
06-03-20 | 08:59 PM
#10
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 2,688
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From: The Jet City
Exactly. I've said, several times, that torsion-beam rear-ends are not the pariah that many enthusiasts think they are. In fact, in most normal driving, unless you are really pushing it, it can be difficult to tell the difference in ride and handling between a well-designed torsion-beam rear end and IRS. What usually makes a lot more difference is tires....not always, but, in general, all else equal, the lower the tire-profile, the more sport, and less comfort, there will be in the driving dynamics.
06-03-20 | 09:26 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,715
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I did a review on a new Cobalt SS....test-drove a bright yellow one with the 5-speed manual. Interesting little car to drive in most respects, but the clutch-pedal action was awful....just like the one in my Chevy Citation more than 20 years before.
06-04-20 | 03:55 AM
#12
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,676
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From: Florida
Exactly. I've said, several times, that torsion-beam rear-ends are not the pariah that many enthusiasts think they are. In fact, in most normal driving, unless you are really pushing it, it can be difficult to tell the difference in ride and handling between a well-designed torsion-beam rear end and IRS. What usually makes a lot more difference is tires....not always, but, in general, all else equal, the lower the tire-profile, the more sport, and less comfort, there will be in the driving dynamics.
06-04-20 | 05:43 AM
#13
Super Moderator
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,174
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From: IL
The turbo is definitely welcome. Would be nice if it were available with a manual, but I'm not surprised given that the take rate on the Mazda3 is just 3%.
06-04-20 | 09:19 AM
#14
The addition of AWD, and now turbo, makes the new 3 hatch a competitor to some other "hot hatches" like the GTI, Elantra GT N-Line, Veloster N, Fiesta ST, etc. I think that the turbo will help, but by how much? That remains to be seen. The hot hatch niche is a small one, but the 3's interior is a nice middle ground for those looking to take a step back from their "boyracer" days without moving to a bigger crossover.
Personally, I'll be looking to at least test drive one to replace my trusty Civic. I've been really happy with my 2 year old CX-9.
Personally, I'll be looking to at least test drive one to replace my trusty Civic. I've been really happy with my 2 year old CX-9.
Last edited by sm1ke; 06-04-20 at 09:23 AM.
06-04-20 | 09:39 AM
#15
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Tx
A 3000lb vehicle with a turbo - woooooo!
I don't think a turbo will hurt; I think what's holding Mazda back is their dealer network (the ones in the Dallas area reminds me of dealers from the 90s; lawn chairs, cubicles, cheesy billboards), limited pricing flexibility and, personally, that "enthusiast" vibe that doesn't appeal to some.
I think the 6-speed transmission is horrifically outdated, though one can counter the Sequoia + Tundra continues to sell decent numbers with a powertrain that launched before the 2007 financial crisis.
Mazda has crafted a niche with a near-lux quality, overall good reliablity coupled with a "spirited" driving dynamics. I'd choose a Civic SI to have a "play car", but a Mazda3 (their red leather is gorgeous) as a DD. The Toyota Corolla will sell due to the brand name, but that coarse powertrain (which is my complaint with the Rav4) really kills it for me. For those with some time on their hands, just sit in a new Mazda with a high-end trim (Premium or Signature) - you will be thoroughly and pleasantly surprised.
Turbo will only help (Subaru has had good success with the turbo add to their line-up as well)
I don't think a turbo will hurt; I think what's holding Mazda back is their dealer network (the ones in the Dallas area reminds me of dealers from the 90s; lawn chairs, cubicles, cheesy billboards), limited pricing flexibility and, personally, that "enthusiast" vibe that doesn't appeal to some.
I think the 6-speed transmission is horrifically outdated, though one can counter the Sequoia + Tundra continues to sell decent numbers with a powertrain that launched before the 2007 financial crisis.
Mazda has crafted a niche with a near-lux quality, overall good reliablity coupled with a "spirited" driving dynamics. I'd choose a Civic SI to have a "play car", but a Mazda3 (their red leather is gorgeous) as a DD. The Toyota Corolla will sell due to the brand name, but that coarse powertrain (which is my complaint with the Rav4) really kills it for me. For those with some time on their hands, just sit in a new Mazda with a high-end trim (Premium or Signature) - you will be thoroughly and pleasantly surprised.
Turbo will only help (Subaru has had good success with the turbo add to their line-up as well)