With the redesigned Mazda Mazdaspeed3 just around the corner, we realize the current ‘speed3 is a lame duck. That won’t stop us from ruffling a few feathers to see if this fiery five-door is still a good buy or a bird with two broken wings waiting for a doubled-barreled end to its misery.

What is it?
The MS3, as enthusiasts call it, is Mazda’s standard five-door hatchback – with a heart transplant. Instead of a baboon, it’s got the ticker of a bobcat on the prowl. An all-aluminum, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with force-feeding via a turbo will churn out 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque to the front wheels. A tighter suspension with beefier stabilizer bars and upgraded brakes make sure this bobcat isn’t a rabid zoo animal on the loose.

What’s it up against?
With the sport-compact segment crowded as ever, the Mazda has a lot of competition to eye. The Volkswagen GTI and Subaru Impreza WRX are certainly staring down the 3. The Honda Civic Si, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Chevy Cobalt SS and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart are glaring rivals, as well.

Any breakthroughs?
With 260 horses and 280 torques going to the front wheels, picking out the tree you’re going to torque steer into would often be the call of the day. Not so in the Mazdaspeed3. A very clever engine control computer monitors the position of the steering wheel in relation to the throttle. Floor it with the wheels pointed straight and you’re full steam ahead. If the steering wheel is turned, the computer will take the veracity down a few notches to minimize the side-to-side action.

So while the torque steer is still there to a degree, it’s manageable and not as dooming as one might think.

How does it look?
Like the Audi RS4, the Mazdaspeed3 can be easy to miss. Setting it apart from the regular 3 are the larger air-intake on the lower fascia, sportier fog lights, 18-inch alloys, modestly flared fenders and a less-than-ridiculously sized spoiler on back. All in all, a clean, sporty look that isn’t shouting.

Overall, the 3’s look is probably a little stale. Largely unchanged since it debuted in 2004, you’ll either love it or leave after watching it roll by for six model years. Any radical change will have to wait for the redesigned model coming in the 2010 model year. Given the “smiling” grill we’ve seen on the 2010 Mazda3, a closeout deal on the 2009s might just be the way to go.

And inside?
Mazda certainly wants you to know you’re in the ‘speed model the moment you get in the car. “Mazdaspeed” badges and script will greet your eyes at each glance. With most of the interior largely black or dark gray, the red stitching on the steering wheel and seats really pop for a pleasing contrast. The red-orange back lighting also goes a long way in breaking up the acres of black.

Fit and finish would appear to be mostly of a quality you’d expect to find in a more expensive vehicle, but this particular Mazdaspeed3 doesn’t get off quite that easy. Unfortunately, with only 3,600 miles on the clock, this ‘speed3 had some rattles in the upper dash near the windshield. It almost sounded as if the windshield was not seated properly and was the source of the noise! While that idea may sound far-fetched, a passenger that week concurred.

Seating-wise, you couldn’t ask for much more: Very comfortable, alcantara-covered seats with big bolsters stop you from sliding about. What you could ask for would be some heat in those seats. A factory-option that is not available even on our top-line Grand Touring test car, no matter how cold your morning commute is.

But does it go?
The ’speed3 goes like it’s perpetually late for the most important meeting of its life. The power delivery is merciless and the exhaust note appropriately loud. Put your foot down and a satisfying, crackly, four-banger exhaust note will make the person behind you look up from his damn cell phone. Sixty miles an hour will happen in less than six seconds and turbo-lag is not something that will hinder your sprint.

The six-speed, manual transmission is a bit jagged however. Its smoothness is a little more Jif Crunchy than Jif Creamy. The shift gate also can feel slightly vague and tight at times, making a missed shift more than just an occasional gaffe.

Show the sportiest 3 a corner and it will respond with composed confidence. The improved suspension bits, along with a limited-slip differential make for flat, brisk cornering, with ugly understeer barely rearing its head. While the ‘speed3 feels solid and planted most of the time, exceptionally high speed induces a mild case of jitters in the front end.

Why you would buy it:
Heaps of fun, yet practical, for 24 grand. With the new model coming, the possibility of getting that number closer to 20 grand on closeout sales makes it a screaming buy.

Why you wouldn’t:
Only the latest and greatest can sit in your driveway, so the next-generation Mazdaspeed3 is your car. Also, you may not know how to drive a six-speed. (Learn!)

2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring base price, $24,455. As tested, $25,125.
Destination, $670.

Words and photos by Chris Doane.

    Print This Post