Small pocket rockets like the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 get a bad rap from soccer moms in Suburbans – or at least they do when we’re behind the wheel. While blasting through some rather engaging twisties and avoiding horses, cows, sheep and old hippies just south of Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California, we managed to encounter just one such concerned citizen.
While snapping photos of the rather understated and elegant gray Mazdaspeed3 during a zoom-zoom-free break at the side of the road, my new foe showed up to ask why so many sporty hatchbacks were buzzing through her area. It quickly became clear that the vehicle itself was of little interest – but talking to the organizers of this media drive, if not the California Highway Patrol, was high on her agenda.
Her dissatisfaction with my colleagues’ driving was enough to keep her from learning about this sportiest of small Mazdas – but at least my Nikon enjoyed the car.
The object of my lens, and my current case of A.A.D.D. (automotive attention deficit disorder) is the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the high performance variant of the Mazda3 five-door econobox. From its crap-eating grin up front, to its spoilered rear deck, this ride is the full package, unlike its understated predecessor. It competes handily with the Subaru Impreza WRX, Volkswagen GTI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a field that outclasses the Dodge Caliber SRT4.
A family resemblance
Although the redesigned Mazda3 joined the Cheshire cat smile now shared with the Mazda6, CX-7, MX-5 Miata, and RX-8, the Mazdaspeed3 gets a bit more of a “prankish” style. Appearing at first like a mild, happy-go-lucky ride, the Mazdaspeed3 has a Mr. Hyde side to its grinning Dr. Jekyll look – and you’d better be buckled up when that alter ego takes control.
It’s a torquey little monster just waiting to pounce. Torque-steer has your squirreling off to the right and then you correct it…it’s a good thing the car has its stability control enabled from ignition, otherwise there might be a rash of insurance claims and yelping about unintended acceleration by people who don’t know how to drive.
But we are getting way ahead of ourselves.
The Mazdaspeed3 hunkers down nicely by way of its low-profile 18-inch Dunlops on aluminum alloys, and ground effects package, which starts with a swooped down front end, and is finished by a decklid-mounted spoiler. A functional hood scoop feeds cold air directly to the intercooler, and a rear fascia helps to rout the twin chrome tipped exhausts out the back.
This Mazda is based on a two-box, five-door design, which combines the best of both worlds: Tossability and utility. Utility from the fact that the hatch opens to hold a ton of cargo – 17 cubic feet with the seats up, and a ginormous 42.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Tossability from the vehicle’s fun-to-drive manners.
The interior is mostly business that lays out nicely and allows your hands to fall where you hope they would. A sense of fun creeps in by way of the sport matrix fabric that makes up some of the seating inserts on the well-bolstered front seats, and the door panels.
The steering wheel offers most of the general controls that you would normally find on the dash. In addition to the cruise controls, audio and Bluetooth buttons, you’ll find a joystick-like button that serves as a cursor and enter switch for various functions that come as a result of the MazdaSpeed Tech Package. Included in this kit is a 242-watt Bose audio system, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, a rather compact navigation (four-inches) screen, perimeter alarm, advanced keyless system, and a push button start. That’s a lot of goodies for under $2,000.
The overall design and layout of the interior, with the exception of the wings housing cruise control buttons on the lower bout of the wheel, is well executed. Those cruise control housings got in our way during spirited driving.
Dizzy DISI
Powered by a 2.3-liter DISI (direct injection) turbo powerplant putting out 263-horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque, the Mazdaspeed3 makes the list of cars that provide as much fun as you can have with your clothes on. Step on the loud pedal and a raspy (albeit four-cylinder, higher-pitched) note starts to sing from the engine room.
The six-speed manual transmission offers precise shifts with a slightly long throw. Gearing has gone taller than on the model it replaces, which should assist with the mileage numbers which the EPA pegs at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Power to weight is helped by the fact that this car is just barely over 3,200 lbs.
Tip-in is absolutely normal, as we like it, and quickly helps you feel comfortable at the pace you set for yourself. On the street, understeer is dialed in nicely with MacPherson-struts up front and a multi-link setup bringing up the rear. On the track, though, there is a pronounced tendency to have to saw the wheel back in to maintain the line. Nonetheless, we like the feel we received from the electo-hydraulic-assisted rack and pinion steering, but be aware: Torque steer is alive and well on this beast.
Making tracks
As in genetics, what a difference a generation makes. This rocket launches out of pit row at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway, hugging the inside line while waiting for traffic to pass. Once on their way, we stand on it and are immediately swung out to get with the rhythm of this 2.2-mile 52-year-old racetrack, cranking through the double-apex Andretti Curve, onward to the gradual ascent up the hill on this legendary track near Monterey. The Mazdaspeed3 takes the turns that follow with ease in third gear, with some gentle encouragement from a tap of the brake pedal on the 12.6-inch rotors. Powering up the hill with ease, we set up for turn-six leading to the Rahal Straight. Cut the apex, and power on for about four-seconds, touch the brakes again and bear right to turn-eight, the famed “Corkscrew.” Braking hard shows some brake-fade after continual laps but still sets us up for the leap of faith we encounter every lap at Laguna Seca. After swinging left and peaking the crest of the ‘screw, point the nose of the car at the dead tree directly ahead. Hang on as the road disappears from under you. If you’ve aimed correctly, the car cuts right through, staying on track and sending you on your way. If not, you’ll hit the gravel or worse.
With a top speed (speed limited) of 155 mph from the blazing intercooled four-cylinder and the six-speed manual, the Mazdaspeed3 is an absolute blast to drive when Mr. Hyde is at the wheel.
Leftlane’s bottom line:
If you are looking for German handling and a rear-wheel-drive feel, forget this one. You’re barking up the wrong tree.
Fun from a small package is what the Mazdaspeed3 is all about. It’s the perfect car for a tuner or enthusiast driver. That it comes at a fairly reasonable price only enhances its standing. A smiling car that will put a smile on even Dr. Jeckyll’s stoic face.
2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 base price, $23,195.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
08/31, 12:06 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I looked at the new 3 this weekend and overall I liked what I saw. The prices though! Yeah, you can get a base MazdaSpeed3 for around $23k, but I saw a regular 3 sticker at $26k making me think if you want a well equipped Mazdaspeed, look to spend between $27-28k. Now that regular 3 had some crazy equipment on it (memory driver’s seat on a compact? Seriously?) but this will still tick in the upper 20’s.
08/31, 12:08 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
23 000 $? Now that’s cheap!!
08/31, 12:20 PM
posted by:
savedsol
$27,898 with EVERY option ticked from DVD Nav to a cargo net.
08/31, 12:25 PM
posted by:
armstealer
I wish they could bolt in the 6-speed auto from the cx-7, its a nice transmission.
I know the flak I will get for that comment here, but be realistic people, you cannot shift faster than an automatic can anymore. We’re no longer talking about 2 speed power-glides.
08/31, 12:35 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
armstealer – but why an automatic and not a slick dual-clutch unit? Mitsubishi can do it, and they’re near broke, Mazda has the resources to get it done. I would be buying one if they did.
On the Mazda brand – I like what they are and who they cater to. They aren’t in it to become #1 but to become successful with their kinda niche market. Everything they make is either the top of it’s class or near it (save the Tribute) and they don’t get the negative flak associated with Toyota and Honda’s blandness. They aren’t cheap cars but nor they overpriced like VW is on many of their models. They are the right mix of everything – sport/price/features/image. I hope Mazda keeps up with who they are and keeps on being just a little out of the norm for a car company.
08/31, 1:00 PM
posted by:
christianboy10
Nice car,bang for the buck
08/31, 1:18 PM
posted by:
6ix
Wonder what it would look like if you just painted the large, black “grill” body-color? Overall, I LOVE this car. Wish I would have waited to get this over my CX-7.
08/31, 1:18 PM
posted by:
The Realist
This car is far too ugly to be taken seriously. It could be faster than a Ferrari, out-corner a Lambo, out brake an Aerial Atom, and sip gas like a Prius…and it still wouldn’t be worth the raw materials to produce it.
08/31, 1:18 PM
posted by:
l.sanchez
This is a great car to drive…something you have to master. You learn to master the reigns and you have a quick lap car. It’ll definitely surprise a couple of people not to mention easy to mod!!
I like that Mazda does its own thing and I do NOT want a DSG on this car. DSG means you can’t drive in my opinion.
08/31, 1:20 PM
posted by:
Stix
@JakeK66
As awesome as dual-clutch transmissions are, they are very expensive, complex, and heavy to put in a car like the Mazdaspeed 3. It just sounds kind of pointless to do so.
It’s one of those fine examples of “They can do it, but should they?”
08/31, 1:22 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
It might be a good bang for the buck, and I applaud Mazda for the effort…but holy hood-scope it’s not pretty to look at.
08/31, 2:19 PM
posted by:
Smegley Wanxalot
This car is bang for the buck, whereas a BMW is bucks for a bang … probably with Mark Elias’s Monterrey soccermom.
So tell us, Mark, was the little tattletale at least hot?
08/31, 2:21 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Nothing in this class is pretty to look at. And then they inevitably have thousands of dollars of even uglier bits screwed onto them.
Mark, you should have told your ‘foe’ that Elvis was spotted trolling for the self righteous and everyone was on their way to her house.
08/31, 2:32 PM
posted by:
zeegone
I think they did a great job overall on this car. The styling is awesome and distinct and for the price you get a quick car, great handling, space and utility, and an interior that doesn’t looks nicer then what the price would suggest.
08/31, 2:34 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
@Stix –
They aren’t really any more expensive than regular automatics anymore. VW is now putting them on the 2010 Passats and CC’s base models. As for heft, I doubt they weigh anymore than a 6-speed auto unit and any weight gain is made up in the shift speeds over a traditional, even the best automatics as well as increased fuel economy. Now they are not as smooth shifting as an auto- that’s their only downfall at all anymore – but this is not a car that needs that, it is like the GTI built for sportieness and livabilty which is why the DSG unit should be available.
@l.sanchez – That’s your opinion, but some of the best, most die-hard manual loving auto journalist disagree with you.
08/31, 2:51 PM
posted by:
IIL
This is sexy..
08/31, 2:54 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
All I have to say is Ugly. I don’t care how fast it is. It is ugly inside and out. The fit and finish on this car is as high as a $16,000 Scion. I drove a last gen Speed3 and the interior is about as cheap as they come form an import. I say from an import because low-end Chevys and Fords are still worse (Focus/Cobalt). In this class though, with the WRX, GTI, and Civic Si, as the major players, this car is behind them in build quality. I would MUCH rather have a WRX if I wanted a lot of speed. The Civic Si gets the advantage for reliability and service, and the GTI is the best of speed and driverablity, with fit and finish. I don’t think the Speed3 is as great as people hype it up to be. It is fast, thats it.
@JakeK66 – A DSG is MUCH smoother than a traditional auto. If your GTI has DSG and it isn’t smooth, then something may be wrong. I have had my MKV GTI w/ DSG for more than 3 years and 63,000 miles and it is very smooth. Many people can’t feel the shifts and some educated people have asked if it was CVT.
@l.sanchez – DSG offers the best of everything. It is faster than a manual, smoother than a manual, everyone can drive it, and achevies better gas mileage.
This is why Bugatti and Lambo use it in their cars, or Ferrari has a similar technology for ALL THEIR CARS. Don’t forget Audis with the same thing (albeit called S/R Tronic) in the R8 / B8 S4 / TTS. Also, the M3 has a dual clutch automated manual in the M3.
Those are some serious cars and because of it, they warrant a serious transmission.
08/31, 3:08 PM
posted by:
The Realist
X2 on the DSG points Tornado.
BY FAR the best transmission to ever be put into an automobile. I am thoroughly impressed every time I drive a DSG equipped car.
08/31, 4:23 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Come on Tornado, it’s smooth and shifts fast, but it’s herky jerky sometimes in ways a good automatic isn’t. Not that it’s a bad thing or even annoying, but it lacks some of the finesse that some of the luxury car’s automatics provide.
08/31, 4:35 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
doh…damn site torched my well-formatted multi-paragraph comment…
08/31, 4:40 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
I could also show you a video of a GTI not outrunning a normal 5 door Mazda3 too.
People buy manuals because they are fun. At the very least I would want a clutchless manual. But an automatic that shifts via a dual clutch? BORING.
If I got an auto anything, it might as well buy a Corolla.
Automatics are fine, FOR YOUR SUBURBAN SOCCER MOM.
08/31, 4:42 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
Tornado… Lambos and the R8 don’t have Dsg, you should know… And give instead as expamples the Gtr and Porsche. By the way Ferrari doesn’t have Dsg “for ALL THEIR CARS”. Scalietti and 599 are the exeption.
08/31, 4:43 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
here we go again
this car is #1 on my shopping list, so i’ve been very eagerly awaiting reviews…i thought about picking up an ‘09 at a discount, but i wanted to see if the 2010 brought enough upgrades to warrant waiting (and paying more)…i think that was a good decision, because from everything i’ve read they’ve made some great improvements as far as making the car a better all-around drivers car…
the looks, of course, are polarizing…either you like it, or really don’t, apparently, but i’ve gotten past the looks factor…what’s much more important to me are the handling characteristics and overall feel of the car…there are very few cars in this price range that have this performance and 5-door hatch utility, so if you have to drive something with a big weird grill, so be it…i can live with that…and anyway, that grill will just motivate people to get out of my way so they don’t have to see it anymore…i actually like how it looks from the side, 3/4 view and rear, though, so it’s not all bad imo…i like the dash compared to the old version as well, the piano black accents on the old one looked like trash, imo, and i’m glad mazda has gotten away from shiny black plastic…
as far as price goes, jake, these are cheaper than you think…you can find 3 in the ‘lou for 23.9k without the tech package, and cars with the tech package are going for 25.8k if you broaden the search to national…
like i said, i know too much about this car, so one reason why the car is that cheap is because the MS3 version doesn’t have every option you can get on the base grand touring 3…for example, the US MS3 doesn’t come with the adaptive HID headlamps and LED taillights that a grand touring-level mazda 3 will have…the interesting (and somewhat disappointing for me) thing is that the canadian mazdaspeed comes with the HIDs/LEDs, but they allow the canadian car to sell at a higher price point…they seem to have cut HIDs/LEDs off the US version to keep costs closer to the outgoing model…
thus ends my phd thesis on the 2010 mazdaspeed 3 ;P
08/31, 4:49 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
And of course manuals result to a more involving driving. It is also by far better for a new driver as he learn how to predict situations, not be in hurry and understand better the dynamics of car.
08/31, 5:02 PM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
I just drove a 2010 Mazda 3 (base model) as a rental, and it was a boring, stodgy drive with no dynamics whatsoever and a dashboard that was an acre of black plastic textured to look like the hide of of some kind of buffalo. Seriously, it had giant “pores” like the leather came from a hippo with a bad skin condition. The electric throttle response was outrageously laggy, just sloppy and with about 2″ of dead space in the middle where no information was being sent to the ECU at all. Steering was too light, no road feedback at all. You can get a loaded 1-year-used MINI Cooper Clubman S for less than this car and get more cargo room, 99% better throttle response and driving dynamics and better looks. I won’t even bother to plug the Impreza/WRX as an alternative, it is an unfair comparison.
08/31, 5:12 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
sprockkets – The DSG is a clutchless manual. It’s not a traditional automatic since there is no torque converter. So from what you said in this statement “People buy manuals because they are fun. At the very least I would want a clutchless manual.” You would want a DSG since it’s the nexst generation of the clutchless manual. Ferrari’s going to the DSG in all of it’s new models.
SomeGreek- Ferrari’s will all have DSG as the option in a couple years. Their F1-transmission is old-tech and is on it’s way out eventually.
08/31, 5:24 PM
posted by:
TL
I would like that in a sedan please!
Oh, it doesn’t come in a sedan….
08/31, 5:44 PM
posted by:
NickelDime
Mazda will quickly fix the grinning grill. It is turning people off to this otherwise very compelling vehicle. The “fix” will be much more subdued grin – so as to save face (no pun intended) for the mistake. Rest assured, those who buy this style experiment will pay the price in residual value.
I’m usually one to endorse the risk of a new model as the return is the additional year(s) of “newness” vs the successor.
In this case, wait.
08/31, 6:09 PM
posted by:
TomF
I went out in April intending to buy a 2010 MAZDA3, and drove a couple… hated the interior, agree with 02WRXPSM on the sleepy throttle response, couldn’t get over the exterior styling, especially the stupid grille — worst styling miscue from Asia since the snout on Subaru Tribeca… ended up buying a leftover last-generation 3, which was not my intent but the deal was too good to pass up and both interior / exterior were a lot less offensive.
08/31, 6:17 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
i don’t believe the throttle response of a base 3 applies to this model, however….
08/31, 6:48 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
NickelDime – That’s actually what happened with the last gen Impreza and WRX, as well as the Tribeca. I see a more Mazda6-like front end in it’s future. This is a simple fix and it will be done soon.
08/31, 7:01 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Reminds me of some of the Japanese and Italian hatchbacks from then 80’s.
08/31, 7:59 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
JakeK66, there is a difference btw clutchless manual and DSG. In a clutchless manual, there is, that’s right, no clutch. You shift with a leaver; to go up one gear you pull the lever, and down a gear you push the lever. You cannot skip gears.
This is how a manual is on a motorcycle. BMW has it on one of their high end cars.
But to shift via an electric paddle? Or let the car do it? BORING.
08/31, 8:42 PM
posted by:
NRG
I have a ‘03 Protege 5 and I love the car, but that grin in the front bumper area on the new Mazda’s, including this one, just doesn’t do it for me. It looks like The Joker’s smile from the Batman movies. Otherwise, it’s a great car. A lot for the money, as usual with Mazda.
08/31, 10:01 PM
posted by:
Speeeed3Z
Tornado don’t say that the interior on a last-gen Speed3 was any worse than the interior on the MK5 GTi. The Speed has beautifully bostered seats and “Mazdaspeed” stitched into the seat……..and the GTi has what??? Lumberjack colored seats?? Snoresville.
09/01, 12:57 AM
posted by:
Mark Elias
^^Smegley,
Soccermom was a hottie, at least from the window perch of her Suburban. She had this cute snarly thing going from the corner of her mouth, which I think was a result of the contempt she held for the drivers who had been blazing through her streets.
JohnnyCanuck: Elvis was Denise McCluggage’s driving partner that day.
09/01, 4:14 PM
posted by:
cire_1wb
Mazda really blew it with this new front end treatment. The previous Mazda3 was by far the best looking mainstream compact car on the market. This new one would be too, but they blew the front end design. I would suggest an evolution of the previous Mazda3 grille as a styling update as soon as possible. I agree with Mazda’s evolutionary approach to the redesign, but the radically different and repulsive front end styling is a perplexing move.
09/01, 5:23 PM
posted by:
desmints
Thanks, but I think I’ll be sticking to my 06 Mazda 3 hatch. That front grill is truly odd.