I'm young, dumb and full of... well, you know, residual teenage angst. I may not like video games or online poker but I surely do appreciate fast cars. I don't got much money so I can't go out and buy myself an Audi R8, a Porsche Cayman (although I would sell everything I own to make a small down-payment for one) or even a Chevrolet Camaro. So when I get to drive cars that are quick, snappy and affordable, I tend to get excited.
The Mazdaspeed story began, in Canada, with the 2003 Mazdaspeed Protegé. This 170-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-pot transformed what was otherwise a decent daily commuter. A few months later, the enticingly sweet 178-hp Mazdaspeed Miata (just over 5,400 were assembled) tantalized our taste buds. Next came the 274-hp Mazdaspeed6 with AWD and shortly thereafter, the Mazdaspeed3. Needless to say, all of these cars spoke volumes to me.
Some show and all go!
The latest Speed3 is manifestly based on the updated and upgraded for 2010 Mazda3, which is itself an evolution of the original Mazda3 launched in 2004. Rave reviews have always surrounded the Ford-Volvo-Mazda developed platform that continues to dutifully serve the S40, V50 and the Focus. At one point, it was safe to say that all three makes had handsome products (European Focus, people...) however the jury is out on the new smiley-faced 3.
This is in fact the only negative comment I could make on the car: “If we could only wipe that smile off its face...”. Otherwise, it's business as usual with the big 18” wheels, the hatch-mounted spoiler, the side sill extensions and best of all, the functional hood scoop. Draped in crystal white pearl and with twin exhaust pipes out back, the car looks stunning and perfectly represents and caters to the boy-racer in me...and you!
Go I said!
What makes the Speed3 tick is the now-famous MZR-DISI turbocharged 2.3L inline 4-cylinder. This same powerplant saw service in the Mazdaspeed6 and is currently used in the CX-7. Gushing out 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the Mazdaspeed3 is currently the second most powerful FWD compact car behind the Caliber SRT4. The argument could be made that the SRT4 is such a rare site and questionable choice that it doesn't really count, not to mention that it is quite an awful drive...
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| Although the pricing and the front-end styling irk me, I have to say that I Love, with a capital “L”, this car. |
The Mazdaspeed story began, in Canada, with the 2003 Mazdaspeed Protegé. This 170-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-pot transformed what was otherwise a decent daily commuter. A few months later, the enticingly sweet 178-hp Mazdaspeed Miata (just over 5,400 were assembled) tantalized our taste buds. Next came the 274-hp Mazdaspeed6 with AWD and shortly thereafter, the Mazdaspeed3. Needless to say, all of these cars spoke volumes to me.
Some show and all go!
The latest Speed3 is manifestly based on the updated and upgraded for 2010 Mazda3, which is itself an evolution of the original Mazda3 launched in 2004. Rave reviews have always surrounded the Ford-Volvo-Mazda developed platform that continues to dutifully serve the S40, V50 and the Focus. At one point, it was safe to say that all three makes had handsome products (European Focus, people...) however the jury is out on the new smiley-faced 3.
This is in fact the only negative comment I could make on the car: “If we could only wipe that smile off its face...”. Otherwise, it's business as usual with the big 18” wheels, the hatch-mounted spoiler, the side sill extensions and best of all, the functional hood scoop. Draped in crystal white pearl and with twin exhaust pipes out back, the car looks stunning and perfectly represents and caters to the boy-racer in me...and you!
Go I said!
What makes the Speed3 tick is the now-famous MZR-DISI turbocharged 2.3L inline 4-cylinder. This same powerplant saw service in the Mazdaspeed6 and is currently used in the CX-7. Gushing out 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the Mazdaspeed3 is currently the second most powerful FWD compact car behind the Caliber SRT4. The argument could be made that the SRT4 is such a rare site and questionable choice that it doesn't really count, not to mention that it is quite an awful drive...
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| The Mazdaspeed3 is currently the second most powerful FWD compact car. |