The Mazdaspeed3 sure is a blast to drive (and was designed accordingly), provided that you know how to remain in charge of the elements. That being said, for all its impressive performance credentials, the car shows relative docility in daily driving conditions. Granted, reaching the speed limit as quickly as possible becomes a regular habit — I recorded a time of 6.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h — probably as much a habit as stopping at the gas station, as my average of 12 L/100 km would attest.
Once up to speed, the machine feels immensely sharp and responsive, instilling superb confidence in the driver with a surgically-precise steering. It simply won’t leave its track, like a train on a railway or, better yet, a wagon on a roller coaster. The sport-tuned suspension with stabilizer bars makes the car unshakeable.
There is one (big) caveat, though: torque steer becomes seriously annoying under hard acceleration, forcing the driver to continuously anticipate the reaction of the front axle. Some will claim that an all-wheel drive system would cure the problem and, while I agree, I have to admit that I kind of got used to it after the first few times.
The main attraction
The 2.3L, DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder MZR DISI Turbo engine with direct injection is a true little marvel. Producing 263 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque, it sends the Mazdaspeed3 on a front-wheel adrenaline rush once you get past the slight turbo lag. Pure fun.
The six-speed manual gearbox with sport shifter is awesome to play with. Gear spacing is appropriate and heel-toe shifting just adds to the excitement. The brakes work like a charm although they could use a tad more endurance. Unless you spend every weekend on a track, they’ll be more than up to the task.
Wrap-up
When I handed over the keys of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, I felt exactly like when I leave the amusement park — one more run, please! It’s a bit of a shame, however, that the price of admission is so steep ($32,995).
Once up to speed, the machine feels immensely sharp and responsive, instilling superb confidence in the driver with a surgically-precise steering. It simply won’t leave its track, like a train on a railway or, better yet, a wagon on a roller coaster. The sport-tuned suspension with stabilizer bars makes the car unshakeable.
 |
| despite all its impressive performance, the car shows relative docility in daily driving conditions. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
There is one (big) caveat, though: torque steer becomes seriously annoying under hard acceleration, forcing the driver to continuously anticipate the reaction of the front axle. Some will claim that an all-wheel drive system would cure the problem and, while I agree, I have to admit that I kind of got used to it after the first few times.
The main attraction
The 2.3L, DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder MZR DISI Turbo engine with direct injection is a true little marvel. Producing 263 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque, it sends the Mazdaspeed3 on a front-wheel adrenaline rush once you get past the slight turbo lag. Pure fun.
The six-speed manual gearbox with sport shifter is awesome to play with. Gear spacing is appropriate and heel-toe shifting just adds to the excitement. The brakes work like a charm although they could use a tad more endurance. Unless you spend every weekend on a track, they’ll be more than up to the task.
Wrap-up
When I handed over the keys of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, I felt exactly like when I leave the amusement park — one more run, please! It’s a bit of a shame, however, that the price of admission is so steep ($32,995).
Article Gallery