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Reports from various sources indicate that an undercover initiative at Mazda may lead to a revival of the Mazdaspeed3 hot hatchback.
While Mazda has officially stated a firm rejection of new Mazdaspeed models, or “MPS” as they’re known in some regions, both Autocar and Car and Driver have reported that industry insiders claim development of a new Mazda3-based hot hatch is underway. According to the former, a “proof-of-concept” prototype has been created at Mazda’s research and development center in Los Angeles, California, without explicit approval from the corporate headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan. Both sources suggest that the sporty Mazda3 is nearing approval, with one report referencing an interview where the program manager expressed enthusiasm for resurrecting the Mazdaspeed3.
“As a car enthusiast, I personally wish to drive a high-performance Mazda3… I will do everything I can to make it a reality,” stated Kota Beppu, the program manager for the current Mazda3 hatch, in an interview with Autocar. He characterized his vision of an ideal fast Mazda3 as a “hyper” road car—not specifically a track vehicle—while emphasizing the need for it to be speedy yet more practical than a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
“It must be responsible and approachable… friendlier than a Golf GTI,” Beppu remarked. “And yes, it should be swift.”
He elaborated on his dream for the Mazdaspeed3, highlighting the use of Mazda’s all-wheel-drive system to mitigate torque steer. He indicated that the likely power source for this model would be the 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G engine found in some of Mazda’s crossover vehicles. Beppu suggested that this engine could deliver the required performance without relying on hybrid technology, which aligns with Mazda’s current strategy to delay hybrid introductions in the U.S. for at least five years.
“The Mazda3 is lightweight, so too much power in a front-wheel-drive setup could lead to torque steer,” Beppu noted. “Overall, we would utilize the motor to enhance performance.”
Although Mazda already offers the Mazda3 with all the desirable features—AWD, manual transmissions, and the 2.5-liter turbo engine—these components have yet to be combined in one model. Some may question whether the 2.5-liter engine is suitable for a hot hatch, considering it produces around 250 horsepower at its peak. However, it boasts a robust 310 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the Golf GTI’s 258 pound-feet and slightly exceeding the 295 pound-feet of the Honda Civic Type R.
Mazda has identified a growing demand for a performance-oriented Mazda3 in its most developed markets, excluding Europe, due to concerns over emissions compliance for the 2.5-liter engine. Countries such as Australia, Japan, and, notably, the United States are potential markets for a speedy Mazda3. An insider quoted by Car and Driver revealed that Mazda is attentive to customer sentiment regarding this model, hoping to leverage any resulting consumer enthusiasm as support for the development and production of a new Mazda hot hatch.
If you’re interested in a fast Mazda, reaching out to your local Mazda dealer may prove worthwhile.
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