Mazda Still Can't Offer A 4WD 3 or 6, But It's Officially Coming
Mazda has recently given America half of what it wants with a more powerful engine in the Mazda6, but it looks like that’s where the good news stops, because it looks like the new motor won’t work with four-wheel drive.
On the other hand, it might arrive with the next all-new ranges in a few years. Demand on the American East Coast is massive and Mazda feels like it’s missing out on more than a few sales. The arrival of powerful, four-wheel drive saloons looks to be a matter of time.
The company sees plenty of demand across the US for all-wheel driven 6s – and 3s as well – but has so far been unable to deliver it because of packaging issues. At the Los Angeles Motor Show, the big dog at Mazda North America Operations gave some interesting insight.
President and CEO Masahiro Moro told CarAdvice:
“I think we are not able to combine four-wheel drive and the 2.5-litre turbo. We have a layout issue with the sedans, that’s why a four-wheel drive isn’t deployed on the Mazda 3 and 6 so far.”
He continued:
“But there is a huge demand, at least what I know is that in the east coast of the USA, 80 or 90 per cent of premium sedans are sold with all-wheel drive.
“Four-wheel drive becomes a premium queue for US consumers and obviously I have asked our R&D department to think about how we can accommodate four-wheel drive capability in the future.”
Comments
Mazdaspeed3 or Mazdaspeed6 anyone?
An AWD mazdaspeed6 with a manual would be epic!
YES! Mazdaspeed3 with AWD could rival the likes of the Focus RS and Golf R, and a Mazdaspeed6 might steal the Stinger GT’s thunder.
Don’t get your hopes up…
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/heres-why-mazda-hasnt-revived-the-mps-badge/
Enter your comment…
After the 4wd mazdas come, can someone turn them into rally cars?
Some mazda 2 are already being rallied in Australia and New-Zealand, it’s non-official but it exists
Now an AWD Mazdaspeed would be a great rival for the Focus RS or the Golf R
I wish there was a manual offered with the turbo engine. Would have been really nice if I could have a 6-spd manual for the turbo model. Also is there plans of reviving the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 along with the rotary?
Is it just me or is the mazda 6 the most beautiful japanese sedan ever?
The only other four door Japanese car i can think is as good looking is the 05 subaru legacy estate. Especially the world rally edition.
I agree. I do get strange looks at carmeets when I say I want a new Mazda 3 sedan…
Have you seen the wagon version ? It’s completely gorgeous
It’s possibly one of the most beautiful sedans full stop. Without seeing the badge, it could easily be mistaken for something far more expensive.
To be honest, all I’m asking for is the return of the hatchback five-door variant and the wagon variant, like on the first generation. I don’t even care if it has AWD or if a Mazdaspeed version is being released, I just want back those two body styles.
We want the rotary back, please!
There have been talks about them bringing it back. If I remember right Mazda might unveil something in 2019/2020? Not sure, but I know I have read somewhere that Mazda is at the very least playing with the idea, if not already working on something.
If I remember correctly, japan has an AWD variant of the Mazda 6. Heck, even the Japan-sold Mazda 2 has AWD
From what I can find, the Japanese 4WD version has a V6, where as most other markets only get a 4 cyl. Mazda isn’t able to mate a 4WD trans to the 4 cyl, resulting in us not getting to have one.
It would probably sell well in all the northern states too. The Mazda 6 is a good looking car, and I’d love to see them bring back the all wheel drive speed 6 again. The 3 looks decent too, and I got to drive a loaner 6 last year with a 5 speed manual. That was one of the funnest cars I have ever driven, and if there was an all wheel drive option that would just be icing on the cake. If I would have had the money when I got my new car, I would have jumped on a manual Mazda 3 in a heartbeat.
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