Vehicle: 2007 Mazdaspeed3
Price as tested: CDN$30995

Performance: Just like every Mazdaspeed products have gone before, the MSP3 is powered by a turbocharged engine. In MSP3’s case, its an upgraded 2.3L DOHC 16-valver with DSI, or Direct Injection Spark Ignition. DSI is Mazda’s term of direct injection technology similar to VW’s FSI. This 2.3 liter turbocharged engine is the same one as in the recently introduced crossover, CX-7 and MSP6 sedan. With 263 hp and 280 lb/ft of torque, power delivery is exceptional as it goes from North to 60 in barely over 6 seconds. That’s just a second or two slower than the much heavier and more expensive BMW 335i with 3.0L twin-turbo provides. However, it power just cut off right after reaching the maximium rpm at 5500. It doesn’t want to go any further regardless of how hard a driver pushed. There isn’t really any turbo lag when the boost comes in. Its a smooth delivery of high performance delivered until one reached the plateau of 5500rpm. 6-speed stick shift is the only gearbox choice for the rocket version of Mazda3. The gates are well-defined and changes are slick. Clutch pedal feels slightly heavier than standard Mazda3’s, however, the extra weight tends to provide better feedback. Unfortunately, its grabbing and release points are what it should be.

Handling: Even though Mazdaspeed has stiffened up the chassis, with an additional 60% of roll stiffness. Ride height has been lowered by 10mm and increase the spring rates by 43%. They still haven’t figured out one important issue. That issue is holy batman torque steer. When there are 263 horses going through the front wheels, regardless of how much stiffer does the chassis able to take. How nifty the engineers tried to dial the suspension geometry, you still can’t beat the law of physics. There is significant torque steer during acceleration. When its more tempted than the “torque steer kings” 9-3 Viggen and previous STS, it isn’t too far behind. With that much power going through the front wheels, understeer is a very close companion whenever you pushed into a corner enthuisastically. Any enthuisastic driver is pretty much looking a tree its going to crash into. With Volvo’s S40 T5 using Haldex AWD, I am wondering why Mazda has to leave the goodies to Swedes even if both don’t cannabalize into each others. Haldex AWD can incorporate into MSP3’s chassis without having add too much costs. Its even more of a selling point compares to its front-driver rivals. However, MSP3 is not without good points. The steering feels as sharp and precise as usual. Body rolls are well-controlled. Even if its a stiffy setting econosport, its ride quality is surprisingly supple.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, MSP3 has excellent pedal feel and modulation. The stopping distance is short while ABS kicks in appropriately.

Interior: When it comes to interior, MSP3 is hard to beat. It comes standard with awesome sports seats, automatic climate control and nice interior materials to wrap up the entire package.

Conclusion: MSP3 is a welcome addition to Mazdaspeed family of performance vehicles. It got performance, looks and comfort to boost. But with 263 ponies going through the front wheels, you better have your hands hold tight when racing a GTI next on the traffic light!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 MAZDASPEED3
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4/5