At the start of June 2020, a report out of North America suggested the Mazda3 was in line for a turbocharged petrol engine. And now that motor’s peak outputs have been confirmed.

An eight-minute video posted to YouTube by Mazda’s Mexican division confirms the midsize hatchback will be offered with a turbocharged 2,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine.

Driving all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, this blown four-pot will generate 169 kW and 420 N.m, just like it does in the Mazda6 and CX-5 offered in some markets.

It’s the latter figure that is perhaps most interesting, as it sees the turbocharged Mazda3 eclipse the likes of the Audi S3 Sportback, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30 N and Volkswagen Golf GTI in terms of peak twisting force.

Of course, we should point out Mazda executives have for the past few years made it clear the company has no plans to revive the MPS badge, so don't expect this model to be wearing that moniker. And, as things stand, Mazda has yet to confirm whether this engine will be available in the Mazda3 outside of North America.

The local Mazda3 range, which touched down in South Africa in July 2019, currently includes a naturally aspirated 1,5-litre unit (88 kW/153 N.m) and a similarly atmospheric 2,0-litre with 121 kW and 213 N.m. Some other markets also receive the Japanese firm’s Skyactiv-X motor.

Original article from Car