A new report out of North America claims the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan will soon be offered with a turbocharged petrol engine.

According to the folks over at Jalopnik, Mazda’s dealership model codes for the 2021 model year suggest a turbocharged version of the midsize car is finally on the cards.

The publication claims to be in possession of screenshots from a Mazda dealer’s system showing both the hatch and saloon will soon be available with forced induction. Interestingly, the engine will reportedly be mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive (in the US, anyway).

While it’s not yet clear exactly what form the rumoured engine would take, it’s worth noting the CX-5 is offered with a turbocharged 2,5-litre petrol mill in some markets. In Japan, for instance, this unit makes 169 kW and 420 N.m.

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 to be a proper hot hatch.

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