After 14 years, hot Mazda 3 MPS set to return? Spirit Racing 3 tipped for 2.5L turbo, possible 2027 debut

Mazda could be returning to the hot hatch segment with a production version of the Mazda Spirit Racing 3, according to a report by Motor-Fan.

The Japanese publication suggests that a tuned version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is under consideration. It puts forward around 300 PS as a possible target, although this is not a confirmed output. 

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For context, the Mazda 3 can be had with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, albeit only in selected left-hand drive (LHD) countries like North America. In stock form, this 2.5T unit pushes out 227 PS and 420 Nm, sent to all four wheels via an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

AWD would also reduce torque steer of the hot hatch - an issue that plagued the earlier FWD Mazda 3 MPS models. 

A launch could reportedly happen as early as the first half of 2027.

For context, Mazda has already shown the Spirit Racing 3 concept. Its separate Spirit Racing 3 Future concept race car uses a 2.2-litre diesel engine to test renewable fuel and onboard carbon dioxide capture technology, rather than previewing a production powertrain.

Should the road car materialise, it could revive the Mazda 3 MPS, which was discontinued since 2013. Mazda offered two generations of the hot hatch 3 MPS, with power peaking at 271 PS and 380 Nm. 

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