Review: 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed3
11/09/2006
Shahed Hussain
The Mazda3 is a competent compact car is a crowded segment. For customers looking for more sport, Mazda offers the new Mazdaspeed3. This 5-door hatchback is loaded with powertrain upgrades and styling enhancements which push it out of the economy car market. The real target for the Mazdaspeed3 is the Honda Civic Si and VW GTI, sport compacts with a reputation for affordable performance. It used to be that these entry-level performance compacts could sneak in under $20K, but now the cutoff is closer to $25K, which is serious money. If the sticker price doesn't deter you, then it's worth taking a close look at the Mazdaspeed3.
Let's go through the list of standard goodies that Mazda endowed this sport compact: a 2.3L turbocharged inline-4, 6-speed manual, limited-slip differential, and 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R18 Y-rated performance tires (needed to hit the claimed 154.5 MPH top speed). We had the opportunity to test the $24,550 Grand Touring model, which gets cloth/leather sport seats, Xenon HID headlights, and a 222-watt Bose(R) 6-CD audio system. Mazda offers other options such as a DVD navigation system ($1,750), Sirius satellite radio ($450), compass/mirror w/Homelink(R) ($250), floor mats ($60), and an aluminum fuel door ($100). The MSRP is still under $25K, which is a great deal for a car with this level of performance.
Small cars are frequently cursed with nondescript or odd exterior styling. Mazda managed to avoid this problem with the Mazda3, which is an exceptionally stylish compact car. The Mazdaspeed3 adds many exterior body panels exclusive to this sporty 5-door. Among them is a unique front fascia with integral foglights within the lower cooling scoops. Other distinguishing exterior features include a taller hood, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and a blacked-out rear bumper insert with a prominent single exhaust tip. These styling changes lend a muscular, aggressive appearance to the Mazdaspeed3 that complements its performance capabilities.
Due to their lower price point, compact cars are often saddled with uninspired interior materials and design, as manufacturers try to meet aggressive cost targets. Aside from some scratch-prone hard plastic trim, the Mazdaspeed3 escapes relatively unscathed. Mazda added proper sport seats, upholstered in a cloth/leather combination with the appropriate support and bolstering for long distance comfort, as well as carving corners. Both front seats have manual controls for fore/aft and recline adjustments. On the center console are two cupholders, with additional drink storage available in the door panel pockets. A roomy center storage bin has a separate top section for MP3 players, mobile phones, etc. The convenient 12V power outlet inside the bin will allow you to recharge your electronic devices. Owners won't forget that they own a Mazdaspeed vehicle with the logos emblazoned on the seats, instruments, floor mats, and door sills.
The fat leather-wrapped steering wheel has audio and cruise control buttons within easy fingertip reach. On the center stack a horizontal LCD shows audio and HVAC status. A center knob adjusts audio settings, while a trio of larger knobs below controls the climate control system. Red backlit gauges inset in deep pods are easy to see at night, but if the headlights are turned on during the day, the backlighting dims to the point that the markings are almost illegible. Attractive blue front-lighting bathes the gauges when the engine is off. The unusual speedometer and tachometer have zero MPH/zero RPM markings at the 6 o'clock position. At typical 30-45 MPH urban speeds, the indicator needle appears to be in the same position as 15-30 MPH on a more conventional speedometer. While it is easy to adapt to the different speedometer markings, drivers switching between different cars may be occasionally caught unaware.
The optional navigation system pops up above the center dashboard vents when in use, and retracts neatly into the dash when turned off. Next to the gearshift lever is a small knob plus seven buttons that controls the navigation system. While we appreciate the unobtrusive and clever packaging, the navigation system interface is overly complex. . Unless the convenience of the unobtrusive factory-installed system is important to you, a portable navigation system is a superior and less expensive alternative.
Although the 60/40 split rear seats will hold three passengers, legroom is not abundant. On the other hand, headroom is adequate for 6-foot tall passengers. Outboard seating positions get headrests for occupant comfort, while the center passenger does without. A center armrest with integrated cupholders folds down if the center seating position is not in use. Door pockets have room for additional drinks. As in most other compact cars, the rear seats are best suited for two passengers.
Because of its practical 5-door body, the Mazdaspeed3 has a vertical rear hatch for convenient cargo access. However, the bulky rear bumper limits how far you can reach into the interior. Cargo room with the rear seats up is limited, but for more cubic capacity, fold down the rear seats to haul objects up to 56 inches long. A set of four tie-downs on the rear hatch keeps loose objects secure. The standard privacy cover hides valuables when the rear seats are upright. If you get a flat tire, the temporary spare is under the cargo floor, while the jack is stored in a side compartment.
A sport compact is incomplete without a premium audio system, so Mazda includes a 6-CD, 7-speaker, 222-watt Bose(R) stereo with as part of the Grand Touring package. Our tested Mazdaspeed3 also had optional satellite radio. An included line-in jack allows owners to use their portable MP3 audio players, but we could not get it to work correctly.
A sport compact like the Mazdaspeed3 is all about the engine, so Mazda crammed a 263-bhp/280 lb.-ft. 2.3L turbo into the engine bay. This powerplant, shared with the Mazdaspeed6, is tuned for strong midrange response. Below 2,500 RPM, torque is relatively weak, but between 3,000 and 5,500 RPM this powerplant feels like a midsize V-6. Above the horsepower peak at 5,500 RPM, the power flattens considerably, to the point that there is no reason to flog the inline-4 to its redline.
Raise the hood, and it becomes clear that Mazda needed greater clearance for the top-mounted intercooler ducting. Other manufacturers typically mount the intercooler near the lower front fascia for optimum cooling, but the unusual intercooler location allows the engine to be used in other Mazda vehicles. Air ducts to the battery, mounted near the firewall, keep it from overheating in the packed engine compartment. Not surprisingly, the typical obligatory strut tower brace is absent, simply because there is no space for it.
Since sport compacts must sound the part, Mazda equips the Mazdaspeed3 with a fat exhaust tip and a throaty exhaust. With the windows raised, the exhaust burble is pleasant reminder that this is no ordinary Mazda3, but the exhaust boom can be tiring when the driver's window is lowered.
As part of the sporty Mazdaspeed line, the only appropriate transmission is a manual. In this case Mazda uses a slightly notchy, but positive-shifting 6-speed manual. Normally, short shift throws aid quick gear changes, but this 6-speed unit doesn't like to be hurried. Clutch effort is surprisingly high, with a short engagement travel. Consequently, taking off from a stoplight can be somewhat abrupt.
Like most high horsepower FWD cars, wheel spin is a real problem. Mazda does include a standard limited-slip differential, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), and TCS (Traction Control System) to effectively distribute torque between the front wheels. A common annoyance associated with powerful FWD cars is torque steer; usually exacerbated by the torque spike delivered by a turbo. Mazda's Advanced Torque Management System reduces engine torque in proportion to steering wheel angle. Since the front wheels can't deliver as much torque to the road while simultaneously steering the car, this is a logical torque-management strategy. Consequently, the tight, precise steering enables the Mazdaspeed3 to track around sharp curves with surprising grace, without the irritating understeer or steering wheel shimmy from the front wheels clawing for traction. While the driving aids turn in an above average driving experience, it just isn't enough. This car really needs AWD to best use the 280 lb-ft. of available torque. Drive with a heavy foot and the DSC/TSC will constantly engage to spoil all the fun.
Suspension tuning is definitely on the firm end of the spectrum. The stiff springs and anti-roll bars allow the body to pitch over bumps and other road imperfections. Over patchy surfaces, the constant jostling can quickly become tiresome, but on a smooth stretch of pavement the Mazdaspeed3 comes alive with its tight, accurate steering and athletic suspension. Although our test car had Bridgestone Blizzaks, we briefly drove another example with the standard high performance summer tires and found the steering response and handling to be exemplary for a high-horsepower FWD car.
Mazda effectively transformed the attractive Mazda3 into the fast, sharp handling Mazdaspeed3. Although the Honda Civic Si, VW GTI, and Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged are similarly priced, none of them can match the combination of performance and practicality of the Mazdaspeed3. One could make the case that the Mazdaspeed3 has more engine than its chassis can handle, or that the suspension is too stiff for daily use, but these are compromises inherent in a powerful FWD car. Considering its performance capabilities, this Mazda is surprisingly refined, which is compliment to the competence of the base Mazda3 platform. Overall, we would highly recommend the Mazdaspeed3 as one of the best values in its class, and guaranteed to leave owners smiling after every drive.