MAZDASPEED3 Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The Mazdaspeed3 is the result of a common recipe that many car manufacturers try to cook up. It goes like this: Combine your basic economy car with a hot-rodded engine from the company cupboard. Add an up-rated suspension, large wheels and performance tires. Next, mix in a touch of aerodynamic add-ons - including a substantial rear wing. And finally, finish off the whole thing with some interior enhancements to make the car feel more purpose-built and exclusive.

Dressed up with a generous helping of perforated suede-like alcantara on the doors and seats, the Mazdaspeed3 feels significantly more expensive than the base Mazda3. The design of the cabin, although good, is a little dated, as the 3 has been with us since the 2004 model year. But the build quality is still very solid, without a single rattle or ill-fitting piece to complain about.

Consistent with the build quality and the materials, the ergonomics are spot-on. The controls and switchgear fall to hand exactly as expected, making the Mazdaspeed3 feel instantly familiar and comfortable. Important stuff when you've got a bunch of turbocharged horsepower behind that tall, skinny pedal on the right.

As if all the performance on tap wasn't a strong enough argument for the Mazdaspeed3, there's also a ton of practicality in this package. For starters, there's the hatchback body style. With its easy access and the ability to fold the rear seats, you've got enough room to forgo that U-Haul rental and use this thing instead... well, just about.

There's also a bonus to folding down the rear seats as the sound within the cabin from the single exhaust outlet gets even better without the seat's muffling effects. That's an important feature for those of us more interested in performance than practicality. If you have to leave the seats up for those pesky back-seat drivers, you'll be pleased to know that there's also plenty of space.

One less-than-minor gripe in the interior involves the transmission... or more specifically, the shifter. Its action is far too vague, leaving you to wonder if you got the right gear or if you're about to hear the valvetrain sing to 9,000 rpm. It's especially disappointing given the fact that Mazda has one of the sweetest shifting transmissions in the MX5 Miata.

Mixing a whopping 263 turbocharged horsepower with the good-looking Mazda3 5-door hatchback, Mazda has gotten the recipe absolutely right-on with its Mazdaspeed3. With equal parts practical transportation and scintillating sportscar performance, if there's a better entry level performance car currently on the market, I've yet to see it.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Mazda Mazdaspeed3

Performance
- Acceleration: Among the best in its class - Advanced Torque Management System limits boost in 1st and 2nd
- Handling: Adjustable and willing to wag its tail, yet still surefooted
- Braking: A little instability at maximum braking adds to the excitement, but very good and composed otherwise

Design
- Exterior: Great looking 5-door hatchback still looks fresh years on
- Interior: Unlike the exterior, showing its age a bit - solid build quality though

Utility
- Comfort: Excellent for four adults
- Space: Hatchback and folding seats make this the most practical shape in the compact auto world

Safety
- Dynamics: Quick moves will help you avoid trouble in the first place
- Technology: It's all here as expected

Value
- Price: Hard to find a better front-wheel-drive performance value
- Mileage: As always, if you stay out of the throttle... low boost means high mileage

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: As far as front wheel drive cars are concerned, it doesn't get too much better
- Fun to spank: Did you see the video? 'Nuff said then.

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.3 liter, turbocharged inline 4
Power (SAE): 263 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3153 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.4 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.0 @ 101 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 18 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $23,410
Competitors: Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Subaru WRX