Diesel engine torque is good but only for a narrow range of rpm (typically over a range of 1000rpm only). In a drag race it will probably run out of grunt before a NA engine. There is one Driven video produced by Pauline Tan pitting a Pug 508 diesel, Camry Hybrid and Ford Mondeo in a drag race. The 508 came last despite having the highest torque on paper.

Mazda does not seem to want to go the turbo route like Honda. There is a 2.5L Mazda 3 in U.S. market but we won't be getting it.