Mazda chooses to go down the luxury vehicle segment instead.
Once much closer to the entry-level market, the Japanese carmaker recently switched its focus towards entering the luxury car segment, consequently stopping Mazdaspeed cars’ production.
In a recent Q&A with the media, a Mazda spokesperson made it clear that Mazdaspeed won’t be back. “We have no immediate plans to bring back the Mazdaspeed3 as we move into the premium space,” said Drew Cary, a spokesperson for the Japanese automaker.
Read more: Mazda Refreshes the “6” for the 2021 Model Year
Mazda’s announcement didn’t come as a surprise because the company has been interested in bringing its product lineup up a notch. Mazda wants to produce vehicles in the luxury segment with better interiors, and a premium feel. The only question raised is how Mazda plans to bring back focus on the driving experience.
With that being said, Mazda was not going to retire the Mazdaspeed3 without a potential replacement. The new 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo pumps a very good 250HP and 320lb-ft of torque, wrapped in a mature premium hatchback.
Mazda won’t just abandon the performance segment but looks to provide the same experience, this time in a more refined and luxurious package.
Whatever happens in the future, we are sure that Mazda will do whatever it can to provide an optimal driving experience. Sadly, traditional Mazdaspeed enthusiasts will indeed feel the absence of the nameplate.
