Mazda has spilled the beans on its hotter 3 Turbo hatchback – and it’s going to be a torquey little beast.

    A video from Mazda Mexico reveals the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine in the 3, set to launch in the coming days, will pump out 170kW of power and a whopping 420Nm of torque.

    It’ll be all-wheel drive and feature a six-speed automatic transmission, as is the case when it’s used in the CX-9 and Mazda 6.

    Mazda 3 Turbo to have 170kW/420Nm, all-wheel drive

    Although that power figure is down on Australian versions of the upcoming eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI (180kW) in Australia, the turbocharged Mazda 3 will have more torque than a Golf R (380Nm) or Honda Civic Type R (400Nm).

    The same engine is good for a 100km/h sprint time of 7.3 seconds in the larger Mazda 6. Packed into the lighter Mazda 3 body, it could be good for a sub-seven-second run.

    That would put the turbocharged Mazda 3 in line with the Hyundai i30 N Line for straight line performance.

    Mazda 3 Turbo to have 170kW/420Nm, all-wheel drive

    According to the Mazda Mexico video, the turbocharged hatchback will be dressed up like a range-topping Astina, with blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels and a full suite of standard features.

    Drivers dreaming of a modern take on the ragged Mazda 3 MPS, with its bonnet scoop and aero-style bodykit, will need to look elsewhere.

    Mazda Australia hasn’t yet locked in the hotter 3 for Australia, but has previously told CarExpert: “We are always monitoring vehicle options for Australia, however we have nothing to announce at this time.”

    Mazda 3 Turbo to have 170kW/420Nm, all-wheel drive

    The local arm has made no secret in the past, however, of its desire to see a hot hatch join the range.

    Senior executives have previously expressed a “keen interest” in a hotter Mazda 3, while reports have pointed to a “hyper” take on the hatch and sedan.

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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