Turbo all-wheel drive Mazda3 in the works

Mazda is secretly readying a flagship turbocharged four-wheel drive version of its latest Mazda3 that could see the Japanese small car once again challenge the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

According to

Listed under the 'PP' codename, which could stand for Premium Pack or Performance Pack, it's thought the fast Mazda3 will use the same turbocharged 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Mazda CX-9 but with an output of 186kW (16kW more than the large SUV) although torque remains pegged at 420Nm - the same as the new Ford Focus ST hot hatch.

The torque limit is likely limited by the six-speed automatic transmission, which according to the dealer information will be the only gearbox offered – at least in the US.

It's unknown if the more powerful Mazda3, which should be capable of accelerating to 100km/h in less than six seconds, is being specifically created for North America or if it will also be offered in other markets like Australia.

Nor is there any word on whether the quicker Mazda3 will wear Mazdaspeed or MPS badging.

The original Mazda3 MPS was first introduced back in 2007 and lived on into a second generation from 2010 before it was quietly dropped in 2013.

Since then, Mazda has focused its resources on introducing more SUVs into its line-up and advancing the internal combustion engine with its SKYACTIV-X technology.

It's not known if or when the Mazda3 turbo is due to be introduced, but it's thought Mazda’s answer to the GTI and Toyota’s upcoming Corolla GR hot hatch could be revealed before the end of 2020.