Mazda has officially dismissed speculation that it is developing a revived Mazdaspeed3 performance hatchback.
The clarification comes after reports circulated claiming the Japanese automaker was preparing to launch a new high-performance variant delivering more than 295 horsepower. Speaking to Australian automotive outlet Drive, Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi squashed the buzz directly, stating that the reports were purely rumors.
The original Mazdaspeed3 was produced for seven model years across two generations between 2007 and 2013, going head-to-head with hot hatches such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, and Honda Civic Si. It originally hit the market with a 263-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, carrying a starting price under $23,000 at the time—equivalent to roughly $38,300 today. Mazda discontinued the badge in 2014 when it introduced the third-generation Mazda3, its Kodo design aesthetic, and the Skyactiv engine family.
While an official Speed variant is not planned, the existing Mazda3 still provides an upgraded powertrain. Customers can purchase the car with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque—just 13 horsepower shy of the defunct Mazdaspeed3—alongside naturally aspirated 2.5-liter offerings, available all-wheel drive, and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The model has seen renewed interest, with year-to-date sales reaching 36,020 units—a 48.4 percent increase—bolstered by a 145.5 percent sales jump in October.
Source: motor1.com
