Mazda has always carried a sportier image than most of its rivals, but it’s rarely followed through with genuine performance variants. After the subcompact 323 GT-X, built to homologate the brand for World Rally Championship competition, decades passed before the Mazdaspeed3 finally showed up. Unfortunately, its run on the market didn’t last long. Now, though, word out of Japan has enthusiasts paying attention again.
The Mazdaspeed3 ran from 2007 to 2013, packing a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder good for 263 horsepower
A report from Japan’s MotorFan points to a performance-oriented Mazda3 making a comeback
The Mazda Spirit Racing 3 concept, unveiled in 2024, would reportedly serve as the starting point
The Groundwork Is Already There
Anyone who remembers the Mazdaspeed3 remembers its quirks just as vividly. Because it sent power through the front wheels only, hard acceleration came with a noticeable amount of tug at the steering wheel, not exactly a desirable trait.
The Spirit Racing 3 concept shown at the Tokyo Auto Show could finally change that story. It already produced 200 horsepower with zero turbocharging, relying instead on mechanical tweaks and software tuning.
Sources speaking to MotorFan point to the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder currently found in the Mazda3 as the likely donor engine. Running on premium fuel, that powerplant already puts out up to 255 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, suggesting output somewhere near 300 horsepower once the engineers get their hands on it, a figure that would put it squarely up against the Toyota GR Corolla.
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A Nod to the 323 GTX?
Whatever Mazda has on the drawing board is said to feature all-wheel drive, a decision that would echo the old 323 GTX rather than the front-wheel drive MazdaSpeed3. That switch would also address one of the biggest complaints about the earlier car, and it would put the model on equal footing with the AWD-equipped GR Corolla.
The rumour mill also points to an arrival sometime in the first half of 2027. Given how well the Spirit Racing MX-5 has done- that track-focused variant sold out almost instantly on the Japanese market- it’s easy to see why Mazda might view this as a golden opportunity.
For a brand that’s built its identity around driving enjoyment, this kind of variant would make plenty of sense.
Here’s hoping it eventually makes its way to our market if it does see the light of day.
