2007 Mazdaspeed3 Road Test

2007 Mazdaspeed3 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

The 6-speed 'box is rightly geared for the MZR. If the driver is well concentrated, the car can be driven through sheer emotion and feel; the shifter and clutch require attention but once they are tamed, they will be your best allies in what will be a mind-expanding burst of progression. Mazda meanwhile also upgraded the brakes and the suspension. The pedal is firm, controllable and communicative. Steering firms up nicely as speed piles on and never over or under assisted.

Close to tailor-made cockpit
The Mazda3's cabin is carried over almost unchanged into the MSP3. There is nothing wrong with that as the 3's quarters are easily amongst the best in the category. The seats are the most apparent change: the new buckets are styled for high levels of lateral and shoulder support all the while being comfortable enough for a long stretch. The remainder offers an excellent driving position and generous doses of room for all occupants. My biggest and only issue is the width of the bottom portion of the center console; it

2007 Mazdaspeed3 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

forces my knees together and becomes very distressing in the long run. After some investigating, I found that a few other Mazda3 owners have made the same comment.

The dashboard is well laid-out, assembled and utilizes good quality materials. The trunk is fairly spacious and if need be, 5 passengers can co-exist with the passenger area. The fact that the MSP3 does not sacrifice any of its important versatility will make all-the-more easy to find a cozy spot in many enthusiasts' garages.

It can't be all good
It is almost flawless. Where the MSP3 represents somewhat of a day-to-day compromise is where its suspension is concerned. This car is designed to carve, slash and destroy corners, tracks and all those that dare oppose it. To offer such a high level of grip, the chassis and suspension must be geared towards seriously limiting body movements

2007 Mazdaspeed3 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

and they must ensure that the rubber is always perfectly in contact with the tarmac. All this translates into a ride that can be jarring at times especially on a particularly nasty stretch of service road at 80 km/h. Is this the price to be paid for this type of performance? Not really. If I compare the MSP3 to the Volkswagen GTI, VW has managed to endow its flagship sporty car with incredible track abilities as well as wheel travel and a serious dose of relaxed driving.

How much do I like it?
One heck of a lot! The MSP3 gets my heart pumping, my palms sweaty and it makes me feel alive. As I have just explained, if I had to have just one car, I do not think I could live with the constant punishment that the ride dishes out. Granted, those looking for a hot-hatch will demand nothing less

2007 Mazdaspeed3 (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

and I absolutely am down with that. For this reason alone, I would take a GTI home and drop in a Garret chip to make up the small difference in price. I would also accept that every time I line up with an MSP3, I will get my arse handed to me on a silver platter. That is until the Dodge Caliber SRT4 appears on the scene with an expected 300 hp from its turbocharged 2.4L engine. Imagine the sound of Rosco P. Coltrane cackling in the background... Kik-kik-kyah! I love it! I love it!

The Mazdaspeed3 retails for $30,995.