Skip advert
Advertisement

250bhp Mazda 3 Turbo variant not coming to the UK

Hotter 250bhp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine lands in Mazda 3 family hatch, but European sales won’t happen

The Mazda 3 is now available in borderline hot hatch guise with a turbocharged petrol engine developing 250bhp – but only in North America. 

This more potent version of the Mazda 3, badged Mazda 3 Turbo, is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv-G petrol engine developing 250bhp and 434Nm of torque. The powertrain is already used in the North American and Australian-delivered versions of the Mazda 6 saloon and CX-5 SUV – both of which share their platform with the Mazda 3 hatchback.

As is available on the 2.0-litre 177bhp Skyactiv-X-engined hatchback, this new engine is mated to a four- wheel-drive system as standard – although Mazda has swapped out the six-speed manual gearbox for a new six-speed automatic, which is also found in the US Mazda 6 and CX-5.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s no official word yet on the engine’s performance specs or fuel economy figures but, given that this new powertrain has around 70bhp more than the Mazda 3’s existing 177bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, the hatchback’s 0–62mph should dip to under seven seconds.

North American buyers will also get a little more equipment for their money, with this new, faster Mazda 3 receiving a set of 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, larger twin exhaust tips and a subtly more aggressive styling package, with a deeper front splitter, broader side skirts, a new rear diffuser and a black tailgate spoiler.

Inside is a pair of heated leather sports seats, 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a couple of swish convenience features, too, like a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a roaming WiFi hotspot and adaptive cruise control.

It’s on sale in the United States now, priced from $30,900 (roughly £23,600) for the hatchback, making it around $7,000 (or £5,300) more expensive than the entry-level Skyactiv-G  model in the US market.

Check out our long term report of our Mazda 3 here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Car Deal of the Day: Mazda 3 is a suave family hatch for only £223 a month
Mazda 3 front corner tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Mazda 3 is a suave family hatch for only £223 a month

The Mazda 3 combines great looks with fun dynamics, making it our Deal of the Day for Friday 4 October
News
4 Oct 2024
BMW 1 Series review
BMW 1 Series 2024 facelift - front

BMW 1 Series review

The latest BMW 1 Series is still a great family hatchback that’s built well and fine to drive, although practicality isn’t the best
In-depth reviews
24 Sep 2024
Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-30 get more powerful engine and a tech boost for 2025
New updated Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30

Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-30 get more powerful engine and a tech boost for 2025

Mazda says the new 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol delivers better real-world performance, while improving noise, vibration and harshness
News
1 Aug 2024
Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2024
Best hatchbacks - header image

Top 10 best hatchbacks to buy 2024

We’ve selected our top ten best family hatchbacks so you don’t have to
Best cars & vans
14 Jun 2024

Most Popular

Ford Capri review
Ford Capri - front

Ford Capri review

This is no sports car, nor even a retro reboot – rather a capable, refined and well-built EV that happens to sport a controversial name
In-depth reviews
29 Oct 2024
New Audi RS 3 2024 review: is there a new hyper-hatch king?
Audi RS 3 - front

New Audi RS 3 2024 review: is there a new hyper-hatch king?

The Audi RS 3 renews hostilities with the Mercedes-AMG A 45, but this time it might just have the edge
Road tests
27 Oct 2024
Hot new Abarth 600e is the performance outfit’s most powerful car ever
Abarth 600e - front

Hot new Abarth 600e is the performance outfit’s most powerful car ever

The fiery electric SUV uses Abarth’s own newly developed e-motor that produces up to 278bhp
News
28 Oct 2024