What we'd like to see (part two)

Mazda Speed 3 (Please!)

Mazda has confirmed that the 2.5-turbo four-cylinder from the CX-9 can fit in practically fit in the Mazda6 and Mazda3. With that being said, it would be pretty cool to see this engine optional through out the range. Which means that a Speed 3 could be make a much wanted comeback seeing that there's a lot of competition from the Focus ST/RS and Honda Civic SI/Type-R. We're just saying Mazda, if Honda is making cool cars again with the new high performance versions of the Civic. The Mazda 3 needs to step its game up with the Speed 3 variant pushing between 250 to 300hp would be ideal.

Note: The Mazda 6 will get the 2.5-turbo engine with its refresh for 2019. Also, the CX-5 is going to get a turbo-diesel engine option. 

Kia Optima (wagon or lifted-crossover-like-wagon)

We know we sound like a broken record but we thoroughly enjoyed the Kia Optima Wagon that we drove while overseas. What we loathe the most is that diesel engine, it had the torque which made it feel lively around town but it loses steam quite quickly and is not very refined. With that being said, Kia should bring the Optima here in either the wagon form or lifted-crossover-like-wagon to compete with the Subaru Outback. It would be nice to see this stylish wagon brought to our shores with all three engine options and standard all-wheel-drive. We'd spend our money on a Kia Optima crossover wagon if offered.



Mini 3-door Hardtop (Cooper SD)

We know that diesel engines get bad rep here and it would be particularly expensive to bring one here. However, it still doesn't mean we can't wish for one. The 2-liter diesel from the 3-series could be placed in Minis line-up and offer a relatively inexpensive diesel engine option for our shores. It would be quite interesting to see Mini offer such an engine here, especially since Volkswagen no longer sells TDI engines here.



Smart Forfour

Smart has discontinued the 1-liter turbo three-cylinder from the Fortwo Range due to low sales. You can still buy a Fortwo but only EV (electric vehicle) configuration. What we find even more interesting is that Smart isn't selling the larger Forfour here. It would be nice to see a four seat version of Smart sold here, however the price tag would be way too expensive for most tastes and that 0.9 turbo engine is very laggy and tricky to drive. Mini has the market almost to its self at this point, mainly due to BMW origins so it has the classy image and driving dynamics that Mini is known for. The Forfour has the quirky charm but won't translate well here in the US but it would still be nice to see this little hatch here on our shores.