Test Fest : Best New Sport / Performance car Under $50,000

MORE TEST FEST COVERAGE
Pick-Up	Nov 15, 2006
SUV / CUV over $60,000	Nov 14, 2006
SUV / CUV $35,000 - $60,000	Nov 13, 2006
SUV / CUV under $35,000	Nov 11, 2006
Convertible	Nov 10, 2006
Sport / performance car over $50,000	Nov 9, 2006
Prestige car over $75,000	Nov 7, 2006
Luxury car under $50,000	Nov 6, 2006
Family car over $30,000	Nov 5, 2006
Family car $22,000 - $30,000	Nov 4, 2006
Small car over $18,000	Nov 3, 2006
Small car under $18,000	Nov 2, 2006
The most coveted parking space in the country	Nov 1, 2006
Writers' predictions for the best new cars of 2007	Nov 1, 2006

Here are my comments on the "Best New Sports / Performance car (Under $50,000)":

2007 Acura CSX Type-S:
The CSX Type-S is unique to Canada. Essentially, it is a 4-door version of the very sporty and dynamic Civic Si coupe and shares the same mechanical aspects as the Si. On board, the Type-S

(Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com)

includes supportive leather-covered sport seats, a navigations system and complete array of electronic accessories. Added to the standard CSX are a set of attractive 17" wheels wrapped in performance rubber and a rear spoiler.

During my drive, I immediately noticed that the Type-S also carries over all of the Si's driving characteristics; most pleasing is the i-VTEC rush and sound above 6,000 rpm. Steering is tight and precise, meanwhile the ride is stiff and dry. This is where the CSX lost some points: The suspension is calibrated for little body-roll and controlled chassis movements at the expense of rolling comfort.

2007 Saturn Sky Redline:
The oddball of this comparative perhaps but the Sky is the most "one purpose" of the bunch. If looks could kill, the Sky would be a prime suspect for every homicide case. Although the car has been out for the better part of the last 5 months, it still manages to turn heads. It has striking body lines, a muscular hood, huge 18" polished wheels, dual

(Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com)

exhaust tips and a super-wide and low stance. The cabin is not so hot. It is cramped beyond cramped and the selection of materials and the design of the dashboard and door panels leave much to be desired.

I expected the Redline to be a road & track killer what with a turbocharged 260 hp 2.0L engine. In a straight line, the Sky is fast but not as explosive as I had hoped. I blame this mostly on the tall-geared 5-speed transmission. Steering and handling are impressive although the brakes disappoint with poor pedal feel and response.

2007 MAZDASPEED3:
Mazda is on the right track. They are producing cars that just about every one wants. Those that are looking for something with a little more oomph have now been served. The MAZDASPEED3 is motivated by the same turbocharged 2.3L inline-4 as the MAZDASPEED6 and CX-7.

(Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com)

Aesthetically, the MSP3 receives the same upgrades as does the rest of the 3s (revised front and rear ends) and tacks on to that handsome 18" wheels, a hatch-mounted spoiler, a deeper front fascia with side skirts and a fatty polished tailpipe. The passenger quarters include sport bucket seats and unique trim.

When the turbo spools up, the switch goes to "On" and the MSP3 rockets forward. Thanks to the sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, over-sized brakes and razor-sharp steering, the MSP3 will prove to be a favourite track tool amongst enthusiast and tuners alike. Grip is impressive as are stopping distances. Much like the CSX, the compromise to such a machine is a rough drive on regular roads. Many will agree that this is a small price to pay for the fastest most powerful hot-hatch in North-America.