Will We Get a Mazda Speed 3?

Recently at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, attendees were blessed with the sight of the 2020 Mazda 3, looking fly as hell. The first two generations of the Mazda 3 had two turbocharged versions, called Mazdaspeed3 or MPS, depending on the market it was offered.

But in a surprising turn of events, the Japanese automaker decided to take a new path. It had decided not to offer the third-gen, and the same is true with the fourth-gen 3 as well.

2020 Mazda 3

Mazda Prioritizes Survival

It has been reported for years that a new MPS will soon invade the marketplace, but Mazda Chief Akira Marumoto put all rumors to rest. Marumoto says that Mazda’s goal is to establish itself as a premium automaker able to tackle competition and beat them with ease and that it was never their priority to add such segment to their current line of cars. The company, rather, is adamant on improving their existing models.

No Electric or Autonomous Cars Either

Marumoto also pointed out that the company would rather focus on producing premium quality cars at par with European carmakers instead of investing in other segments that could potentially result in the downfall of the company. Mazda, according to him, aims to provide comfort, quality, and continuous improvements in their already existing line of cars.

What this means is that there would be no driverless cars or EV sports cards from Mazda either. Marumoto believes that self-driving cars would just stop driver capabilities as they would become more reliant on its autonomous features. Besides, he favors the smell of gasoline, he told journalists.

https://youtu.be/Y6VCt-w3azg

A Big Misunderstanding

Defiant on putting the rumors to a complete halt, the executive said that in the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show where the RX Vision was showcased, the goal was to provide enthusiasts an insight of how the Kodo design language continued to evolve. He said that RX Vision is a vision model for design development and was not intended to be integrated in the rumored third-gen.

What to Expect from Mazda

The Mazda 3 will likely receive the turbocharged, 2.5-liter in due time, as it fits the header of the newly introduced model, the Japanese automaker said. Furthermore, it just makes sense considering the Mazda 3 has an all-wheel-drive system. This amazing feature is also the reason why the turbo engine was introduced on the CX-5 and Mazda 6.

Looking Back

Let’s look back at the introduction of the Mazdaspeed 3, shall we? The first generation of MPS was first shown in 2007, and the second-gen found its way in the market three years later, lasting for about three years before making its exit. While not all people are fond of the MPS, people still make a deal out of it because it was a car that was easy to drive around, all thanks to its neat handling.

It performed so well that it was included in Ward’s list of ten best engines, and did so for three years straight. It’s the reason why the company decided to keep the engine for its second generation of MPS. And get this: the front wheels were powered using a six-speed manual.

The first generation of Mazdaspeed cars rushed to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and the second generation at 5.3. So it’s pretty clear why people will be disappointed upon hearing the news that the MPS won’t be revived.

More on the 2020 Mazda 3

Back to the all-new Mazda 3, the car maker made a complete facelift on its tiny but popular car. It’s a striking hatchback and a stylish sedan that safeguards its future by integrating premium class engine technologies and the evolutionary Kodo design language.

The company hasn’t provided a solid release date yet, but it’s expected in showrooms mid-2019. The Mazda 3 is expected to bring Mazda closer to the ranks of more established premium car brands the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz — all three offering cars with the same size but still attractive to the mainstream market.

Its powered by Mazda’s impressive Skyactiv-X engine, which combines the best features of petrol and diesel combustion process that will lessen the amount of fuel burned without reducing the quality of its performance. Its design bears the Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture that guarantees improved dynamics and comfort, and complete noise isolation.

The engine is equipped with a small supercharger and a high compression ratio, allowing the compression of fuel once ignited. At the same time, it still has a spark plug should you wish to go for the conventional process of ignition.

It’s been said and done that there will be no Mazdaspeed3 at all, but the turbocharged unit should make Mazda enthusiasts happy, especially if it makes its way in the Mazda 3. Let us know what you think.