First Drive Review - Car and Driver
The Mazda 3 is already a huge hit, but until now there hasn't been a performance version. That changes with the Mazdaspeed 3, which is targeted, according to chief engineer Tatsuo Maeda, directly at the Volkswagen GTI. Externally, the Mazdaspeed 3 gets subtle yet sporty upgrades to the grille and bumpers, and a rear roof spoiler and 18-inch rims. Tipping the scales at roughly 3100 pounds, the Mazdaspeed 3 is lighter than the GTI and boasts an advantage of 63 horsepower and 74 pound-feet over its German rival. Employing the same 2. 3-liter four-cylinder turbo unit as the Mazdaspeed 6, but with retuned intake and exhaust systems and a modified ECU that reduces torque levels in the first three gears, the Mazdaspeed 3 generates 263 horses at 5500 rpm and... Power comes on from 2500 rpm and stays hot all the way to the 6750-rpm redline. The linear torque response is more akin to that of a gutsy V-6 than a turbo four. To reduce wheelspin and torque steer, Mazda reinforced the driveshafts and fitted a specially tuned torque-sensing limited-slip differential. Source: www.caranddriver.com
