A new report has suggested a hot version of the new Mazda 3 might turn into reality. If true, the car could go on sale in 2021.

While we did not get the past generations of Mazdaspeed 3 in Singapore, hot hatch enthusiasts here would surely appreciate Mazda creating such a car for the future. As reported by Autocar, the hot 3 might likely a similar version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder that powers the CX-9 here.

Making around 250bhp and 420Nm of torque, it remains unclear if the car would be offered with front or all-wheel drive or maybe even both. It is also not known if it would be paired with a six-speed manual or an automatic.

According to Mazda3 program manager Kota Beppu, there’s been significant interest in a hot Mazda 3 from “most developed countries” and he himself would love to have one.

He then added on that the car could have more power than some of its rivals but would need to be “responsible and friendly… more friendly than a Golf GTI.”