The Mazda CX-30 has already impressed us with its sleek lines, sharp handling, and upscale cabin, but it always felt deserving of a more powerful engine. So, we were naturally excited about the prospect of this when the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S was announced a few weeks ago, but unfortunately, it used the same 186-horsepower engine that is merely adequate.

The good news is that Cars Direct is reporting the long-awaited arrival of a turbocharged engine for the CX-30. Based on information in an early order guide, it's expected to produce 250 hp, the same output as that of the new Mazda3 2.5 Turbo.

The most powerful CX-30 yet should be called the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo, which would align with Mazda's latest naming convention. As in the Mazda3, this engine only churns out peak outputs when running on premium 93 octane gas, when it'll reportedly make 320 lb-ft of torque. With 87-octane gas, expected outputs are the same 227 hp/310 lb-ft as found in other applications.

That's still much more than the non-turbo engine option and should significantly cut down the CX-30's current 0-60 mph sprint time of over eight seconds. The turbocharged CX-30 will only be offered with all-wheel drive and gains extras like black 18-inch wheels, turbo badging, and a larger tailpipe.

There is a caveat, though. The turbocharged CX-30 is expected to start at $29,900, excluding the destination charge of $1,100 that takes the price to past the $30k mark. That's nearly $10,000 more expensive than the base CX-30 with the naturally aspirated engine.

Of course, it should be more generously equipped than cheaper CX-30s, but for the top-spec Premium Plus, expect to pay $35,000 with the destination charge included. At least this includes features like a head-up display, a surround-view monitor, and parking sensors. Just below this, the Premium will go for $33,400. It's not cheap, but it does eliminate the one notable gripe we had with the CX-30, which should have rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek even more worried than before.