Mazda–speed 3

The Mazdaspeed 3, Zoom Zoom’s latest sport compact combatant, is a loose cannon. With a swift stomp of the gas pedal, it’ll snap like any of ya favorite pistol-whippin’ Joe Pesci characters.
By now, you’ve learned hot-hatches are fun not because they’re fast, but because they feel fast as you push ’em to the edge without cracking the speed limit. Now you can forget all that. The Mazdaspeed 3 is girl-with-low-self-esteem fast for a hatchback—the 2.3L four-cylinder with 263 ponies (ouch!) puts out way more pony than a GTi, Civic Si, Cobalt SS or WRX. But from the outside, the Mazdaspeed 3 doesn’t brag or boast about its thick power curve—walk around and peep it.
If the Mazdaspeed 3 doesn’t look like the conventional street-race instigator, don’t feel reluctant. Yes, it’s got flared front fenders, 18-inch rims, rear spoiler and a single tip exhaust you could fist—yet it’s as unassuming as the haymaker you never saw comin’. It ain’t a head turner…at least until you get behind the wheel.

Whoa, what the hell is this? The cockpit seats have bolsters fit for the BMW M series—red stitching on the steering wheel and shift boot are fresh accents. You motor-istas will notice how stiff the MS 3 is, whether you bounce through concrete civilization in second gear or wind it out to fifth on challenging switchbacks. Several reinforcements have been welded throughout the MS 3’s frame to cope with your crazy-ass flogging. Mazda engineers have magically eliminated torque steer (well, almost), so don’t be shook about the 280 pound-feet going to your front wheels.

If you floor the Mazdaspeed 3, you can out-hustle most cars from a stoplight or a roll. It’ll make others think twice before stepping to the small guy.

Jack Chinelli

Interior The cabin is dark, except for a dash of aluminum here and there. This five-door has enough space for tall drivers, and Mazda went the distance to provide backseat bolsters for brave passengers. Peep the gauges—downward-facing needles mean motorsport.

Exterior It ain’t boy-racer, but it’s not “oh, snap,” neither. Blacked-out front and rear light enclosures, low-pro roof spoiler and unique fog lamps and chrome-tipped exhaust put this Mazda on a pedestal. It’s squat and boxy, ready to tear asphalt.

Floss Factor If your definition of kickin’ game is frightening a shorty to death with G forces, then cop this whip. You can bet the Mazdaspeed 3 will turn more heads at ya local car show than in front of the club. You bought this car because it’s economical and moves.

Flaw Factor The Mazdaspeed 3 deserves wheels that pop. Since Mazda has a Vulcan grip on the motorsports world, you’d think they’d equip their specialty whips with a fresh set of BBS rims.

Specs

Rating 5 /// Damage $24,450

Power /// 263hp, 280 lb.-ft.

0-60 /// 5.9 seconds

Top Speed /// 155 mph

Gas Cash /// 20 city, 28 hwy

Miles Driven /// 168

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