Mazda3 to Receive Mazdaspeed Treatment Next Year

With less horsepower under its hood and a lighter, more compact frame, plus to reduce development costs that would have to be

Unlike the Mazdaspeed Protegé, the forthcoming Mazdaspeed 3 will be a serious street machine with true performance credibility. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

passed on to the consumer, it's nearly certain that the tuned 3 will remain front-wheel drive. The powertrain configuration, most likely backed up by a six-speed manual gearbox, should result in 0 to 60 mph times of around 6.4 seconds and a top speed of at least 155 mph, equaling that of its midsized sibling.

The decision to opt for front-wheel drive (though not yet confirmed) goes against popular belief that the Japanese hot hatch would be a mechanical carbon copy of its sister cars, the next-generation European Ford Focus RS and the Volvo S40/V50 T5, and fitted with Volvo inline-five motors and Haldex all-wheel drive systems.

Like all other Mazdaspeed products, the 3 will undergo extensive development and thousands of miles of track work to determine

As for its looks, the 2003 MX-Sportif concept should provide clues as to the Mazdaspeed 3's appearance, with larger wheels, a lowered suspension and a subtle but tasteful bodykit bringing out its aggressive character. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

proper calibration of its suspension system. As usual, the Mazdaspeed team must walk a fine line, balancing between ride comfort and performance, but must also find ways of eliminating torque steer and improving feedback from the accurate, but numb, electrically-assisted power steering. These concerns have proven to be the downfall of many modern sport compact cars.

As for its looks, the 2003 MX-Sportif concept should provide clues as to the Mazdaspeed 3's appearance, with larger wheels, a lowered suspension and a subtle but tasteful bodykit bringing out its aggressive character.