The 2.5-litre turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine is said to be capable of delivering up to 250hp and 434Nm of torque while using premium 93-octane fuel in the US.
Power will be sent to the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system that gets the forged 18-inch BBS gloss-black wheels while sporting optional kit that includes a rear diffuser, side sill extensions, front air dam/splitter and a rear roof spoiler.
As standard (in the US), keyless entry with push-start button Mazda Connected Services with three-year trial and in-car Wi-Fi hot spot with six-months or 2GB trial.
The sound system uses a 12-speaker audio system from Bose that's connected to an 8.8-inch centre display equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, two front USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The cabin is further equipped with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, frameless photochromatic rearview mirror and chrome accents.
Also included is Mazda’s Active Driving Display head-up unit, a power moonroof, dual-zone climate controls, heated front seats, leatherette seating, leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminium speaker grilles.
For added safety, the turbocharged Mazda3 includes i-Activsense safety technologies as standard which includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Adaptive Front-lighting system and High Beam Control.
Additional standard equipment includes gloss black front grille, sharp front lower spoiler, larger tailpipes, gloss black heated door mirrors, “TURBO” badge on the boot and on the engine cover, reverse camera, LED daytime running lights, automatic LED signature headlights, automatic wipers and a shark fin antenna.
Opting for the Premium Plus Package means that the Mazda3 gets slapped with a gloss black rear lip spoiler for the sedan while the hatchback is equipped with a gloss black rear roof spoiler and front air dam.
The package will also add to the extensive list of safety features such as Rear Smart City Brake Support with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, 360-degree View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors and Traffic Jam Assist which enhances the Mazda Radar Cruise Control by providing steering inputs at speeds under 65kph.
Furthermore, the package also throws in leather for the seats, navigation and a HomeLink system for the rearview mirror.
Other than the turbocharged engine to be introduced by the end of the year, the Japanese carmaker says that two naturally aspirated engines of the Skyactiv-G 2.0 and 2.5 with optional i-Activ AWD can also be found under the hood.
