Hot-hatch

North American arms of Mazda have officially revealed a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Mazda 3 hatch and sedan, however the model is no closer to receiving Australian confirmation. Available for US, Canadian and Mexican markets, the turbocharged petrol 3 is expected to be produced only in left-hand-drive form for the foreseeable future.

Ford Australia has dismissed overseas reports that its flagship hot hatch Focus RS will not be revived with the latest generation model. French publication Caradisiac claimed yesterday the fourth-gen Focus RS – which has been reported to add a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the outgoing generation’s 257kW and 470Nm 2.3-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine – had failed to meet 2021 European emissions standards even with hybrid technology.

Recent trademark applications made by Toyota suggest the brand could be planning Gazoo Racing versions of its Corolla and C-HR models for Australia. The three applications, lodged with Intellectual Property Australia (and noted on GR86.org), seek trademarks for the terms ‘GR Corolla’, ‘C-HR GR-Sport’ and ‘C-HR GR-S’. GR stands for Gazoo Racing – the nameplate for Toyota’s new generation of performance vehicles. The GR badge is already worn by the Supra and upcoming GR Yaris.

Volkswagen has released concept renderings of its new Golf GTI ahead of a Geneva motor show debut in March. Volkswagen's render shows a vastly different front end design for its GTI than what has been seen on the standard Golf. The 2021 GTI's front grille extends across the width of its bumper and features fog lights comprised of a quintet of (presumably) LEDs inside the honeycomb pattern.