2021 Mazda 3 Turbo – Tire Analysis
By: Discount Tire
Designed for non-stop fun, the 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo boasts a beefed-up engine to add to the MazdaSpeed performance pedigree.
Whether you go for sedan or hatch, you can expect new thrills behind the wheel on the 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 liter turbo.
With its turbo-powered four-cylinder engine, the new Mazda 3 is slated for 250 horses and a whopping 320 lb-ft of torque. While there are lower-powered entry-level models, any enthusiast and fan of the MazdaSpeed nameplate will only have eyes for the trim with more power.
While purists might bemoan the lack of a stick shift option, a high-torque hatchback is fun whether you get to shift yourself or you rely on Mazda’s quick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.
When it comes to controlling all of that power, one of the biggest elements (and obviously our favorite) is the tires that will transfer its power to the pavement. And because we’re so amped up about the new turbo Mazda 3, we want to talk about the tires that we think will make the best aftermarket replacement options to wrap around the 18-inch aluminum wheels on your Mazda 3 turbo.
Mazda 3 Turbo Details
With the Mazda 3 Turbo currently prowling the streets, we’re sure you’re already well-versed in the specs on this sporty ride, including the fact that it rolls stock on a set of 18-inch wheels. You may also be aware that Mazda has wrapped those stylish rims in a set of 215/45/R18 tires.
This sporty and balanced tire size is a great option for the high-powered hatchback because its low-profile sidewall ensures rapid steering response. Even better, many tires this size are purpose-built for thrilling performance, with stickier rubber compounds and sportier tread patterns. That means greater control over the horsepower and low-end torque coming from this higher-powered mill.
With that, let’s dive into treadwell, our tire buying guide, to see what tire options are the best bet for your 2021 Mazda 3 turbo.
2021 Mazda 3 Turbo Tire Picks
Per Treadwell, our handy tire-buying guide, the tire options below are your best bets for thrilling performance and grip you can count on year round:
Pirelli Cinturato Strada Sport AS
Treadwell’s first recommendation for your turbocharged Mazda 3 is our exclusive tire, the Pirelli Cinturato Strada Sport AS.
This performance-oriented all-season tire comes chockablock full of high-end features to help you stay comfortable and in command on the road. These features include a five-rib tread design and a silica-enhanced tread compound, both of which deliver up serious grip and responsive handling in any weather. The Strada Sport AS is also backed by a 50,000-mile warranty, so you can stay confident in this tire for the long haul.
Falken Pro G5 Sport AS
Up next on our top 3 tires for your Mazda 3 Turbo, Treadwell recommends the Falken Pro G5 Sport AS, a sporty all-season tire that gives you serious grip on tap.
With its wide shoulder blocks and semi-solid rib design, the Pro G5 Sport AS provides summer-like grip that will have you feeling ready for the track. Meanwhile, its advanced rubber compound and dense groove pattern will help keep your turbocharged ride planted no matter the weather.
For even more confidence in the Pro G5 Sport AS, Falken back this tire with a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty.
Road Hugger GT Ultra
Up next is another of our exclusive products: the Road Hugger GT Ultra. This tire is truly the embodiment of performance and value.
With an extra-wide center rib and large shoulder blocks, the GT Ultra provides snappy steering response and relentless straight-line stability. Its dense siping pattern and lateral grooves ensure grip even in foul weather, and its 45,000-mile warranty means you can count on this stellar performance for many thrilling rides to come.
If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice a trend here. All these tires are built to meet power with traction and responsive handling, as well as consistent and reliable all-season performance. These features make these tires ideal options for the new more powerful Mazda hatchback.
These options are perfect if you’re maintaining your turbo 3’s OE sizing. But it’s worth noting that some enthusiasts might be tempted to throw caution to the wind and opt for aggressive upsizing to put a wider section width on their turbo Mazda3. With wider tires, you get even more traction for faster launching, more powerful braking and even sportier handling.
Regardless of which sizes you opt for, you’ll find that not only are these tires reliable in any weather condition, they provide uncompromising performance for confident cornering and straight-line stability.
Whether you need new tires for your turbocharged Mazda 3—or any other Mazda you drive—feel free to use treadwell to find the ideal tires for your unique driving needs.
When you’re ready for your upgrade, be sure to buy and book online to get a 30% shorter average wait time in-store!
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