The Mazda 3's new model finally makes it competitive with Honda and Volkswagen — check out the Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo

• The 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo finally gives the Mazda 3 lineup a turbocharged option.
• This makes the Mazda 3 finally competitive with the sporty Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
• Mazda did not announce pricing at this time but said the option will be available at the end of 2020.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The current, fourth-generation Mazda 3 is a handsome thing, with sleek lines and athletic proportions. But some buyers wanted more power to match its looks. Mazda finally listened.

On Wednesday, Mazda announced the 2021 Mazda 3 would have the option of the company's Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. The turbo motor will produce a claimed 250 horsepower and 320 pounds-feet of torque on 93 octane fuel. With 87 octane fuel, it'll produce a claimed 227 horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque.

The Mazda 3's two existing engines are both naturally aspirated. The first is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, good for a claimed 155 horsepower. The second is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, good for a claimed 186 horsepower.

If you opt for the Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo, you'll get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The engine also comes exclusively with Mazda's all-wheel drive system.

The option is a welcome sporty addition to the Mazda 3 family, as competitors like the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Golf already offer turbocharged options. The base Civic has a 174-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged motor, and the sportier Civic Si kicks that power up to 205 horsepower.

The stylish Volkswagen Golf comes standard with a turbocharged 1.4-liter motor that puts down 147 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. The sportier Golf GTI comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter motor that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque.

The Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo is still no Mazdaspeed 3 — the turbocharged sport compact hot hatch that Mazda made between 2007 and 2013 — but it sure brings the current Mazda 3 much closer to its competition.

Mazda says the 2.5 Turbo will hit dealerships by the end of 2020. It did not give official pricing at this time. 

SEE ALSO: Mazda's biggest SUV switched over to much safer base-model headlights midway through 2020. Here's how to tell which version you're buying.

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