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2007 Mazdaspeed3 Road Test

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Justin Pritchard
The new bang for the buck benchsetter

Two Hundred. It's a nice, round number that was, for a brief period, the standard in terms of horsepower for products in the new-age import tuner
(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)
marketplace. The Honda Civic Si, Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged and Volkswagen Golf GTI are the main players in the scene, with appropriate add-ons and upgrades installed right at their factories. All three have enjoyed reasonably successful sales figures.

In the recent past though, there was one machine which entered the market like a heap of turbocharged sheetmetal on a rampage. For about the same price as its comparatively underpowered competition, the Dodge SRT-4 delivered a 230 horsepower turbocharged punch to the front wheels- offering buyers a taste of burnt rubber any time they liked. It's short life was intended to send the Neon off with an un-muffled bang, and once it left the market, a space went unfilled up for those after ridiculous speed and excessive torque. With the SRT-4 out of production, the streets were, for a while, safe for the rest of the gang.

But a problem has presented itself. There is a new kid on the block once again, and it's a bit of a bully. In just about the same price range as its competitors, it offers up 260 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of torque. Someone at Mazda took the power per dollar bar and snapped it over their knee.

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)
It's called the Mazdaspeed3 - the Japanese carmakers second Mazdaspeed designated model and third in North America to carry the award winning torque monster 2.3 litre turbocharged engine under its hood.

Unlike its big brother the Speed6, the Speed3 isn't shy about its import tuner upbringing. There's a wing overlooking the rear hatch glass, side skirts, a deep bumper, and a large exhaust tip in the back.

But some folks might find that the Mazdaspeed designated model doesn't go far enough to differentiate itself from the standard car. Others may be happy- as it doesn't scream for attention from the local police force.

It's a well stocked rocket - with HID lighting, a 6-CD changer, I-pod input, very supportive semi-racing seats, fog lamps, metal pedals, colored stitching, and more. Of course, it rides on eighteens too, and they look totally sick- or so say the youngsters who admire the machine from their favorite racing video games where Mazda has targeted them at an early age.

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)
The people after this sort of car love advertising- and they'll be happy to see brand reinforcement at its finest in the Speed3- with the Mazdaspeed logo presenting itself no fewer than three times before getting into the car.

While there, all controls are easy to find and use, gauges are easy to read and automatic lights and wipers are a welcome high-end feature you won't find anywhere else for the price. The visibility is also excellent, and the ride is reasonably quiet and comfortable.

Regardless, the Mazdaspeed driver is more likely to be concerned with is how well his machine goes handbrake-sliding through underground parking garages at 3 am with Billy Talent blasting on the stereo.

Very well indeed.
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
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