Mazda3 adds new base engine, beefy 2.5-liter turbo

The 2021 Mazda3 is getting a tuneup. Mazda said Wednesday the 2021 compact sedan and hatchback that begin arriving in U.S. showrooms next month will sport two new engine options.

A naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 hp will be the car's new base engine. The current 2.5-liter nonturbo-four engine carries over unchanged. The third engine is a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that can deliver as much as 250 hp — 64 more than the 2.5-liter nonturbo installed in 2020 models. Mazda refers to all three engines as Skyactiv-G.

The horsepower rating of the 2.5-liter turbo engine — the Skyactive-G 2.5T — varies based on the grade of fuel. When the engine is fueled by 87 octane regular gasoline, horsepower is rated at 227. When 93 octane premium fuel is used, horsepower climbs to 250.

All-wheel drive is optional on both versions of the 2.5-liter engine.

The turbocharged model comes with a full menu of infotainment and safety equipment. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, 8.8-inch screen and Bluetooth are standard, while radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and adaptive front lighting highlight the standard safety features.

There is no word yet on pricing. Mazda dealers will receive the 2.0 and 2.5 nonturbo 2021 models next month and the 2.5 turbo by the end of the year.