On the menu: a short drive in the surrounding streets -- first with the production models and then with the modified versions. My driving skills here at Dunnville were pretty limited as the track is very technical. Consequently, the performance subtleties were sometimes less obvious. That's why I not only relied on my track tests but also on the comments made by my colleague (and former open-wheel racer) Bertrand Godin to back up my analysis. In all cases, the verdict was unanimous: Mazdaspeed components provide added fun but they must be used judiciously.
Let's make things clear before going any further: Mazdaspeed does not alter the engine or increase its power. It's all about assistance, essentially with regards to stability, handling and vehicle response.
With the Mazdaspeed3, for example, the top speed allowed by the performance accessories is only 5-kph higher than without those accessories. Meanwhile, handling is virtually unchanged, since the firmer suspension is great in some turns but a little less in other turns. "This Mazda3 is already well-equipped and the additional investment might not be necessary," explained Godin.
The same is true with the Mazdaspeed6, although this one actually benefited from the sportier suspension, which allowed the car to stay on its intended path during turns (the vehicle's weight has something to do with it). On the other hand, the maximum speed barely increased, in large part because of the quicker and more linear response of the standard turbo engine.
If you really want to feel the difference, try the Mazdaspeed treatment on a RX-8, if only for the auditory sensations. The new exhaust delivers a sound like no other, while the car's already good handling benefits from added stability during turns. My comments are very similar with the MX-5, which got the unanimous approval from the journalists on hand. "It's the only RWD car in the group, which probably explains why its performance is markedly improved. But you have to admit that, even without the options, the MX-5 is really fun to drive on the track," added Godin.
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Let's make things clear before going any further: Mazdaspeed does not alter the engine or increase its power. It's all about assistance, essentially with regards to stability, handling and vehicle response.
With the Mazdaspeed3, for example, the top speed allowed by the performance accessories is only 5-kph higher than without those accessories. Meanwhile, handling is virtually unchanged, since the firmer suspension is great in some turns but a little less in other turns. "This Mazda3 is already well-equipped and the additional investment might not be necessary," explained Godin.
The same is true with the Mazdaspeed6, although this one actually benefited from the sportier suspension, which allowed the car to stay on its intended path during turns (the vehicle's weight has something to do with it). On the other hand, the maximum speed barely increased, in large part because of the quicker and more linear response of the standard turbo engine.
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If you really want to feel the difference, try the Mazdaspeed treatment on a RX-8, if only for the auditory sensations. The new exhaust delivers a sound like no other, while the car's already good handling benefits from added stability during turns. My comments are very similar with the MX-5, which got the unanimous approval from the journalists on hand. "It's the only RWD car in the group, which probably explains why its performance is markedly improved. But you have to admit that, even without the options, the MX-5 is really fun to drive on the track," added Godin.