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Nuts and Bolts
While the standard-issue Mazda3 is a zippy little performer, the MazdaSpeed version takes things to a whole 'nother level. MazdaSpeed engineers started the 3's transformation from mild to wild by reinforcing the car's unibody construction in several key areas including the center tunnel and front and rear suspension mounts. Curb weight jumps a couple hundred pounds over the mass market version but, with an engine like the one under the MazdaSpeed 3's hood, you'll be hard-pressed to notice.
About that engine: It's essentially the same turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder motor we liked in the midsize MazdaSpeed6. The numbers alone — 263 horsepower and a whopping 280-lb.-ft. of torque — are impressive enough to make otherwise worthy competitors like the new Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, and Subaru WRX TR look like 98-pound weaklings by comparison.
Much of the credit for this prodigious power output goes to the motor's direct-injection design. As with the MazdaSpeed6, the 3's injection system sends fuel directly into the cylinder at very high pressure, creating a cooler, denser air/fuel mixture that results in increased torque, quicker turbo response, and lower emissions. Fuel economy is surprisingly decent too, though you will need to feed it a steady diet of pricey premium (91 octane) fuel, and put a block under the accelerator.
All that power is routed to the front wheels by a new six-speed manual gearbox. There's no automatic available, a “posers need not apply” move that may earn Mazda some street cred among the hard-core “tuner” crowd. If you're thinking that putting that kind of horsepower in a front-wheel drive car sounds like a recipe for torque steer under hard acceleration, you're right. Mazda engineers have gone to great lengths to minimize this, however, with a sophisticated collection of hardware and software including equal-length half-shafts, a limited-slip differential and a computer that both modulates throttle inputs and bleeds off turbo boost in first and second gear. MazdaSpeed engineers also beefed up the braking system with larger four-wheel discs (12.6-inches up front and 11-inches out back) and a bigger master cylinder to help make sure the car stops as good as it goes. Those brakes hide behind 215/45R18 tires and 18-inch wheels, which are controlled by the 3's rack-and-pinion steering setup. Mods to the front MacPherson struts and independent Multi-link back include firmer springs and shocks and larger diameter front and rear sway bars.
Design
When it comes to automotive design, cars that are the visual equivalent of screaming “HEY LOOK AT ME! AREN'T I COOL?” are anything but in our book. Thankfully, the designers resisted the temptation to go there in the process of giving the Mazda3 its makeover. Instead, the changes to the MazdaSpeed 3 are subtle enough that they merely enhance the base car's already appealing design . A deeper front air dam, wider front fenders, side sill extensions, a larger rear spoiler, and chrome exhaust tip are the most noticeable additions. The MazdaSpeed 3 will be offered in just four colors: Red, silver, black, and, a bright “cosmic” blue. Sharp 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza 215/45/R18 summer tires are the perfect finishing touch. Unfortunately, we're certain it's only a matter of time before someone mucks up this low-key package by slapping on a set of 22-inch chrome spinners.
Inside the changes are just as understated and just as appealing. Front sport seats with substantial side bolsters provide excellent comfort and support during enthusiastic driving. Other nifty details include drilled aluminum pedals, distinctive red stitching on the seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and embroidered MazdaSpeed logos on front seatbacks.
The end result is a car that's distinctive enough to warrant a second glance by the car-savvy, without being so comically over-the-top that it'll attract unwanted attention.
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