Mazdaspeed3: Quick Test

The new Mazdaspeed3 is based on the more-mainstream Mazda3, a high-quality econocar that has been with us since the 2004 model year. Typically, five years on the market would make for a car in desperate need of a makeover. But highlighting the successful design of the base car, the Mazdaspeed3 is still, arguably, among the best looking cars in its class.

On the outside, the transition from Mazda3 five-door hatchback to Mazdaspeed3 is relatively subtle: No exaggerated fender flares; no multiple-coffee-can exhaust outlets; just some well-placed blacked-out graphics, front air dam and the obligatory roof spoiler.

Altogether more tasteful and restrained than others in this class, it's more like what BMW's M division might conjure up than an over-the-top tuner car.

Better still, its competitive $23k base price gets you 263 turbocharged horsepower and noteworthy "shove-to-the-back" acceleration - even given the car's portly-for-its-class 3153 lbs.

Curiously, Mazdaspeed3 drivers don't always get the full-power experience: the car employs an advanced torque management system that basically bleeds off turbo boost in first and second gears in order to control the power spike of the turbo power plant. Result? Differing levels of boost in the first three gears - which is frustrating unless you think of it as artificial turbo lag designed to keep you out of the Mazda service department replacing halfshafts...

No frustration in the handling department, with Mazda engineers having struck a great balance between ride comfort and handling. Body control is excellent, and the car's composure gives you the confidence to really hustle it through the twisty bits.

Zoom zoom indeed!

Besides its pace, there's also a ton of practicality in the hatchback Mazdaspeed3 package. With easy access and split folding rear seats, you can forgo the U-Haul rental and use this thing instead... well, just about.

Inside, a generous helping of perforated suede-like alcantara on the doors and seats gives the Mazdaspeed3 a premium feel. The interior is beginning to look dated, but the build quality is superb and there are no rattles or ill-fitting pieces to complain about.

Consistent with the quality and materials, the ergonomics are spot-on. Controls and switches fall to hand exactly as expected, making the Mazdaspeed3 feel instantly familiar and comfortable—important stuff when you've got all that turbo power behind the tall, skinny pedal on the right.

Mixing a whopping 263 turbocharged horsepower with the good-looking Mazda3 body—practical transportation and scintillating performance in equal measure—Mazda has gotten the recipe absolutely right with its Mazdaspeed3. If there's a better entry level performance car currently on the market, I've yet to discover it.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
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