When I drove the 2019 Mazda3 last year, I liked it quite a bit. But the one thing I wished for was some more power, as it just lacked the peppiness that I was used to in previous Mazda’s. And I wasn’t alone in that sentiment, with fans captivated by the car’s design but asking for more power.
Mazda listened. And today, they announced the addition of the turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine to the 2021 Mazda3 powertrain offering. The Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine delivers an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium (93 octane) fuel or a solid 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular (87 octane) fuel.
According to Mazda, this engine is specifically calibrated to the Mazda3 so as to deliver the unique driving dynamics expected by our most passionate drivers. The evolution of Mazda’s turbo engine brings a sense of refinement befitting the brand’s recent updates to the i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The high torque characteristic of the Skyactiv-G 2.5T paired with the predictive i-Activ AWD create harmony with the driver’s intentions — delivering greater responsiveness and confidence.
Now those look like some solid numbers to me, especially all that torque. If it weren’t for the AWD, you’d be leaving tire tracks for a city block! Mazda didn’t give us any indication about performance numbers, but I’m guessing it’s going to be a hair slower than the Civic Type-R, WRX and GTI, but not by much. I’ve been looking for a replacement for my 2011 Subaru WRX, and this might be just the ticket.
In addition to the extra power, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mazda Connected Services with three-year trial and in-car Wi-Fi hot spot with six-months or 2GB trial, Bose 12-speaker premium audio, 8.8-inch large center 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, frameless auto-dim rearview mirror and chrome finishes around the push button start and glove box are exclusive to the 2.5T. Other interior features include Mazda’s Active Driving Display head-up unit, power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leatherette seating, leather wrapped shift knob and aluminum speaker grilles.
Additional standard equipment include larger tailpipes, 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, gloss black heated door mirrors, “TURBO” badge on the trunk and on the engine cover, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, automatic on/off LED signature headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a shark fin antenna. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan also features a gloss black front grille and sleek front lower spoiler.
I’m pretty excited for the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, and I’ll be sure to share more info with you guys as it becomes available. The car is expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of this year. Maybe I’ll give myself one for Christmas. 🙂
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