Mazda has now fully revealed its new Mazda3 2.5-litre turbocharged,all-wheel-drive flagship hatch and sedan derivatives in North America. The powerplantis more powerful and torquier than expected… and here's how its outputs comparewith those of benchmark hot hatches.

Last month, Mazda signalled its intent to introducethe 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol-engined (andall-wheel-driven) Mazda3 hatchback and sedan in the new-vehicle markets of the United States, Canada and Mexico. At the time, Japanese firmstated the 2.5 Turbo'speak outputs as: 186kW and 434Nm (when the Skyactive-G engineruns on 93 RON).

If buyers opt for the Premium Plus package, a purposeful front airdam and tailgate spoiler are added on.

Torque is sent to the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system via a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmissionand,while we were hoping for claimed performance figures– which arecritical for hot-hatch bragging rights– Mazda hasn't revealed any (we anticipate a 0-to-100 kph time of about 6 sec). However, the Hiroshima-based firm has presented a completeview of the 5-door version and released details of optional sportyexterior addenda that can, if specified,distinguish the 2.5 Turbo from its more affordable siblings.

Given the local market's predilection for hot hatchbacks, which explains why the Volkswagen Golf GTI has outsold its lesser 7.5-generation siblings by a ratio of about 4 to 1 and Hyundai and Honda offer thei30 NandCivic Type Rin South Africa (but no other derivatives of those cars' respective ranges)it stands to reason that Mazda would be well served by introducing a hot-hatch version of the Mazda3 in the local market – if at all possible. Hot-hatch aficionados would surely welcome the 2.5 Turbo 5-doorin our market, wherethe Hiroshima-based firm previously sold both the 2.3-litre turbocharged,all-wheel-drive 1st-generation- and 2.5-litre turbocharged 2nd-generation MPS derivatives.

If buyers add on the Aero Kit, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo gains an additionalrear diffuser aswell as subtle side-sill extensions.

Now for the proverbial tale of the tape.In its maximum state of tune, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo produces more power than the current (7.5) and Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI, although it's not quite as punchy as the Honda Civic Type R,Hyundai i30 Nor either the Renault Megane RS 280 Lux/Cupor RS 300 Trophy.However, its peak torque figure eclipses those of all the current (admittedly front-wheel-drive) hot hatchbacks.To put those numbers in context, here's a breakdown of what the market's headlining hot hatchesproduce:

The handsome BBS 18-inch gloss black forged alloy wheels are also optional in North America.

From the initial announcement, it was clear Mazdadidn't want to position theMazda3 2.5 Turbo asa hot hatch per se –think of it more as a luxuriously-equipped flagship 5-door derivative with a sporty bent. Remember that in somemarkets, the Mazda's all-wheel-drive configuration could improve its selling proposition(such as in North America's harshwinter climate) andits torque gain (by virtue of turbocharging the larger-capacity 4-cylinder engine)should improve drivability, in-gear acceleration and touring ability.

As standard, the 2.5 Turbo's exterior execution features automatically activated LED headlights with DRLs, hints of black exterior detailing (such as the mirror housings), subtle Turbo and AWD badgingand slightly-bigger exhaust tips, but thereare no elaborately flared wheel arches. However, if buyerswant addenda such as afront bumper with gaping air intakes, wing-tipped side skirts, a rear bumperwith an integral diffuser, atasteful tailgate spoiler, as well as19-inch gloss-black alloys, Mazda offers them at extra cost.

The 2.5 Turbomight not have a track-tuned suspension, but it produces a bit more torque thantheRenault Megane RS 300 Trophy.

In its highest spec, the newcomer's cabin features leather trim, a sunroof, heated sports steering wheel with shift paddles, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system(with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) reverse-view camera and rear PDC. In terms of safety, the flagship derivatives are equipped with radar-guided cruise control with stop-go functionality, Smart Brake function, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keeping assist.

The new flagship Mazda3 produces more power and torque than the upcomingGolf 8 GTI, but its product positioning is very similar.

Right now, the 2.5 Turbo is exclusive to North America, which is a pity, because Mzansi has to make do with the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated motor in the top-of-the-range 2.0 Astina, which produces "only" 121 kW and 213 Nm. Other right-hand-drive markets (such as Australia, for example) haverequested that Mazda consider making the range's new flagship more widely available, so there's a glimmer of hope.As for the MPS badge, that's highly unlikely to return givenMazda's product pushinto the premium space.

Further Reading

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