The 2021 Mazda3 Turbo shouldn’t be an all-out scorching hatch (nor did it ever declare to be), however as Doug DeMuro not too long ago found when testing the hatchback, it’s a nice automobile.

When designing the high-performance model of the Mazda3, the automaker may have tried to make a rival to the likes of the Honda Civic Kind R, Hyundai i30 N, and Renault Megane R.S. As a substitute, it determined to go in a unique course, becoming the automobile with a turbo’d 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft (433 Nm) of torque whereas mating it to a six-speed computerized transmission.

Learn Extra: The New 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Will Cost You Nearly $30,000

It might have been good for Mazda to additionally provide a guide transmission however the six-speed auto appears to do the job. In contrast to conventional scorching hatches, the Mazda3 Turbo is all-wheel drive and this helps it off the road, hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds.

When discussing the automobile, DeMuro says he isn’t a fan of the general look and form of the Mazda3 hatchback, though we expect it’s truthful to say he’s within the minority. To our eyes, the Mazda3 is the best-looking hatchback available on the market and by some margin.

One side of the automobile that we agree on is the cabin. As Mazda appears to ascertain itself as extra of a luxurious automaker, it has outfitted the inside of the Mazda3 Turbo with all method of soft-touch supplies to provide it a very premium really feel. DeMuro additionally feedback positively on the steering and dealing with of the compact mannequin.