2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

With the demise of the Mazdaspeed6 for 2008 (it's awaiting a redesign), the Mazdaspeed3 carries the performance banner for Mazda. The top-end variant of Mazda's popular Mazda3 has garnered positive reviews due to its performance value.

Based on the Ford C1 platform, which underpins the Volvo S40, C30 and C70, as well as the international versions of the Ford Focus (the Ford Focus sold in North America uses an older, less sophisticated platform), the Mazdaspeed3 features a number of performance upgrades over its siblings.

The biggest change of note is a turbocharged version of the 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine from the regular Mazda3. In the Mazdaspeed3, this motor puts out 263 horsepower and an impressive 280 lb-ft. of torque. It's only available with a six-speed manual transmission. This direct-injected motor gives the Mazdaspeed3 a 0-60 mph time of under six seconds according to Mazda.

A significantly stiffened and lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential and 18 inch wheels give the front-wheel-drive Mazdaspeed3 a hefty handling advantage over its little brothers. Stability and traction control is also standard.

Mazdaspeed3s are only available in the quasi hatchback/wagon variant. A unique bodykit with built-in front foglights and a large, polished tailpipe help differentiate it from standard Mazda3s.

The Mazdaspeed3 is available in two flavors, Sport and Grand Touring. The Sport comes well equipped with heavily bolstered cloth seats with the Mazdaspeed logo, a leather wrapped sport steering wheel with cruise and radio controls, six airbags and electroluminescent gauges. The Grand Touring adds automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a Bose audio system with an in-dash CD changer, a trip computer, rain-sensing wipers and automatic Xenon headlamps.

The only factory option for both is a navigation system that deploys from the top of the dashboard and features a wireless remote. Sports offer the in-dash CD changer as an option.