In 2003, Mazda introduced the Mazda3, its new entry into the soon-to-be wildly popular compact car segment. While its predecessor, the Protégé had served the Japanese automaker (which is one-third owned by Ford Motor Co.) well, it failed to match the popularity of Asian rivals such as the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. The front-wheel-drive Mazda3 commanded the attention of the motoring press and public during its first few years on market with a personality to match its sporty good looks and four-cylinder engine. Now with gas prices north of $4 a gallon, established compact cars may be one of the few bright spots in an industry that's constricting rather than expanding.
Mazda3 is available in several trim levels including the higher-performance, turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 which is the subject of this column. As gas prices hit new record levels, those folks who once enjoyed high performance V-8s just may seek to down size a bit. No. Mazdaspeed3 doesn't thrust out 500 horsepower, but it is a fun-to-drive option that's easier on gas. The limited-edition Mazdaspeed3 debuted in the fall of 2006 as a 2007 model year entry and remains virtually unchanged in 2008. It's the flagship model of the Mazda3 Empire.
Mazdaspeed3's standard 2.3-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine is connected to a standard six-speed manual transmission. No automatic transmission is available. Those desiring an automatic transmission will have to settle for a conventional Mazda3. The turbocharged engine cranks out 263 horses as apposed to the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder in the lowest-priced Mazda 3 that cranks out 148 horses. The naturally-aspirated Mazda 3 also offers a second four-cylinder selection, a 2.3-liter variety cranking out 156 horses.
Mazdaspeed3 competes with other high-performance compacts including the Subaru Impreza WRX and Volkswagen GTI. While the Mazda3 comes in sedan and five-door hatchback bodystyles, Mazdaspeed3 is strictly a five-door hatchback. It's also worth noting that unlike other Mazda3 trims, the Mazdaspeed3 requires premium fuel. All other Mazda3's take less-expensive regular unleaded. The turbocharged 2.3-liter double overhead cam engine generates 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, less that a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Mazda3.
Remember though, Mazdaspeed3 is built for fun. The standard six-speed manual transmission with a soft foot clutch gives drivers more input into driving dynamics than an automatic tranny. This car handles extremely well around sharp corners, with little body sway. Impressive low-end torque propels Mazdaspeed3 nicely from a standing start. It's one of a select number of compacts that actually puts a smile on your face.
Mazdaspeed3 is available in two trim levels: Sport and Grand Touring. Windows are large enough while A pillars are narrow enough to provide good road perception. Headroom is generous, although leg room in front and back could be considered a bit tight for bigger drivers. The back seat fits two adults most comfortably. Front bucket seats come with side bolsters, and were comfortable and supportive even after three solid hours of driving.
The lowest-priced Mazda3 starts at $13,895. The 2008 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring test drive vehicle lists at $24,055 but was loaded with standard features. The only option was a $1,960 navigation system with Sirius Satellite Radio bringing the bottom line to $26,640 including a $635 destination charge. A Mazdaspeed3 Sport edition starts at $22,320.
The black interior features the ignition cylinder is on the steering column and includes a safety switch where a nearby button must be pushed before the key can be removed from the cylinder. The release lever unlocking the circular fuel door (on the passenger-side rear fender) is on the floor left of the driver seat. The standard rear wiper activates from the right-side steering column stalk, which also monitors front wipers. A long, narrow display window about one-inch long and six-inches wide on top of the center console showcases radio frequency and ventilation information. Below the sound system, two circular dials operate fan speed and temperature while a center circle (with push-button regions) control fan direction. The central dash area flows directly into the floor-mounted transmission. Two circular vents get positioned on the far side of the dashboard while small rectangular vents adorn the center of the dashboard.
Optional in the Grand Touring trim is a navigation system with retractable screen set on the dashboard top. Unlike some systems, this does not include a rear-mounted camera providing visual feeds when backing the car. This screen does include a tilt option, cutting down the glare depending on the angle of the sun. Navigation controls are right of the floor-mounted six-speed manual transmission shifter.
Secondary radio controls are on the steering wheel face at 3 o'clock while all cruise control functions are at 9 o'clock. Power window, outside mirror and lock buttons are on the driver's door. Cloth/leatherette seating adorns the Grand Touring trim of the Mazdaspeed3. In between the front bucket seats are a hand-operated parking brake, and in-line dual beverage holders with a flip cover when not in use. Each of the four doors also has a cup holder molded into the side. Need more? The fold-down arm rest in the second row includes two additional holders. The foot rest, clutch, brake and accelerator pedals all include a brushed aluminum highlights. The instrument panel incorporates three deep-set tubes for a sporty look.
Strap-like exterior door handles are body color. In front, narrow headlight housing flanks a small grille with center circular Mazda logo. The air dam below is larger than the grille. Mazdaspeed3 hatchbacks include a small spoiler on top of the hatchback door, which opens up from the bottom as one unit.
Mazdaspeed3 comes very nicely equipped (for a lower-priced compact model) with such safety features as antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front and rear head air bags, dual front side mounted air bags and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Mazdaspeed3 gives the Tuner crowed something to gravitate to other than a Volkswagen front-wheel-drive GTI sedan ($23,300 starting price) or all-wheel-drive Subaru WRX five-door hatchback ($24-850-$38-795). From a dollars and cents standpoint, the Mazdaspeed3 offers a healthy helping of turbo bang with a starting price under $25,000. |