Mazda has officially dismissed speculation regarding the return of the Mazdaspeed3 performance hatchback. Vinesh Bhindi, managing director of Mazda Australia, confirmed in an interview with Drive that reports of a new high-performance variant are unfounded, stating clearly that such claims are merely rumors.
The original Mazdaspeed3 was produced for two generations between 2007 and 2013. It featured a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 263 horsepower paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The model was discontinued in 2014 following the introduction of the third-generation Mazda3 and the company's shift to the Kodo design language and Skyactiv engines.
Despite the absence of a dedicated performance trim, current Mazda3 sales remain strong. In October, sales for the model increased by 145.5 percent. Year-to-date, the company has sold 36 020 units, representing a 48.4 percent growth. The current lineup offers a 2.5-liter engine with up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive.
