From Autoblog: “We asked about the possibility of the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine coming to the Mazda3. We did get the typical response of not being able to comment on future product. However, they did confirm that the turbocharged engine does in fact fit in the new Mazda3, since it and the naturally aspirated engine are very similar, and the naturally aspirated engine still uses an enormous header, meaning turbo plumbing wouldn’t be an issue. Everyone we spoke with at Mazda did emphasize that they are listening closely to buyers, which is what led to the turbo engine being offered on the Mazda6 and CX-5, as well as the introduction of all-wheel-drive to the Mazda3. So, if you, like us, want to see the turbo engine added to the Mazda3, let the company know. They might just do it.”
Other highlights- Offered with 2.5L engine first. Power is almost the same with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, gains of 2 horsepower and 1 pound-foot. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg in the city, 36 on the highway, and 30 overall for front-wheel-drive models. We would expect the all-wheel-drive model to have slightly worse fuel economy simply due to extra weight and having to power two extra wheels.
The Skyactiv-X engine will become available later in 2019. It will be rolled out in Europe first, with America coming after. When it does come here, it will be offered in states with stricter emissions regulations before coming to other states
Now as for drivetrains, the company is still deciding which trims and which combinations of engines will be offered. Naturally, a manual has been announced, and with the 2.5-liter engine being the standard engine, that will be a combination for sure. The manual does indeed couple with the all-wheel-drive system, so that’s a possibility, too. And manual and automatic transmissions work with the Skyactiv-X engine. So all combinations are possible, but Mazda is determining exactly which combinations will be offered.
Read more on the AWD system and suspension:
https://www.autoblog.com/2018/11/29/2019-mazda3-engines-suspension-awd-details/