2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo: A Sleek Powerhouse with Premium Features

Overview

The 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo is a standout in the compact car segment, offering a blend of style, performance, and premium features. Available as both a sedan and hatchback, this model is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Competing with the likes of the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Subaru WRX, and Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo is designed for drivers who seek a thrilling yet refined driving experience.

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Exterior Design

At first glance, the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo may not appear drastically different from its non-turbo counterparts. However, subtle design cues hint at its sportier nature. These include 18-inch black-alloy wheels, a gloss-black front grille, heated side mirrors, larger exhaust tips, and "Turbo" badging at the rear. The sedan offers a more conservative look, while the hatchback boasts a curvaceous design, though its wide rear pillars and small rear window may slightly obstruct the driver's view.

Opting for the Premium Plus Package adds a small black rear spoiler, enhancing the car's aerodynamic profile and sporty appeal.

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Interior Comfort and Technology

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo's interior exudes a premium feel, thanks to high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. Standard features include leatherette seating surfaces, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and chrome accents. The sedan offers 13 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provides a more spacious 20.1 cubic feet.

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Tech enthusiasts will appreciate the 8.8-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo. However, the reliance on a console-mounted controller instead of a touchscreen may take some getting used to. Additionally, rear legroom is somewhat limited compared to rivals, so taller passengers may find it less comfortable.

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Performance and Drivetrain

Under the hood, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. When using 93-octane gasoline, the engine produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. With 87-octane fuel, output drops slightly to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This performance places it ahead of front-wheel-drive competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI (228 hp) and Honda Civic Si (205 hp), though the Subaru WRX edges it out with 268 hp.

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Safety Features

The 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo comes equipped with an array of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera. The Turbo model adds rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The Premium Plus Package includes Mazda’s Traffic Jam Assist, which provides steering inputs at speeds below 40 mph, enhancing safety in congested traffic conditions.

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Pricing and Availability

While Mazda has not yet released official pricing for the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, it is expected to start around $29,000 for the hatchback and slightly less for the sedan, including destination fees. The model is set to hit dealerships by late 2020, offering a compelling option for those seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and safety in a compact car.