It’s not very often that the simple act of spending a few hours behind the wheel of a new car imparts such an indelible grin upon its operator’s face that even 48 hours later, that beaming expression of gratification refuses to be repressed. Then again, it’s not every day that (even for an automotive journalist), you get to spend so much quality time with a car like the new MazdaSpeed3.
The MazdaSpeed3 has been a favorite among enthusiasts since it was introduced for the 2007 model year, and for good reason. Its combination of style, performance and value is virtually unparalleled, even in a market segment already awash with affordable hot hatchbacks. The 2011 model tested herein is the most refined and polished edition yet. The engineers and designers at Mazda have elevated the new Speed3 to a level of performance and drivability that no car in its price range can challenge. This mighty task was accomplished by diligently dissecting all that was learned from previous generations and applying the appropriate tweaks throughout. The results, are staggering.
MSRP starts at $23,700 for a well equipped Speed3. With all available options including Navigation, (Part of the “Tech Package”) and Sirius Satellite Radio, the price tops out at $25,370. EPA fuel mileage estimates put the Speed3’s economy at 18/25. There is standard seating for 5.
While internet rumors persisted early on, that a big power plant change was on the horizon for the 2011 model, Mazda chose to carry over a freshly revamped 263 BHP, 2.3 liter Direct-Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbocharged 4-cylinder with 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a Close ratio 6-speed manual transmission with torque sensing conical limited slip differential driving the front wheels via a pair of equal length half shafts. MazdaSpeed tuned suspension keeps the new Speed3 under control with the assistance of “Y”rated Summer tires wrapped around lightweight 7.5” x 18” alloy wheels (A half inch increase in wheel width from its predecessor). Stability is further enhanced by the redesigned rear spoiler. A new, fully functioning hood scoop provides much needed air directly to the top mounted intercooler.
Styling updates for 2011 include the above mentioned spoiler and hood scoop along with a new front fascia and wider fender arches. Several more subtle updates also add to what was an already exceptionally smart looking exterior. On the inside, the dark grey and red spattered seating upholstery is the only thing that may invite reproach. Overall interior style is quite good, with perfectly placed controls, quality materials and class leading comfort. Head and leg room for front occupants is also, exceptional. Rear seating room is ample as well, and fold down seats offer plenty of storage capacity. Practicality was clearly not an afterthought for the Speed3.
Josh Amerling, Sales Manager at Mazda of Escondido provided the examiner a new 2011 MazdaSpeed3 in “Mica” black for evaluation. If this car is at all on your RADAR, it can’t be overstated how important it is to take it for a lengthy test drive of your own. There are several good reasons for this. First, it is impossible to put into words just how wonderfully dynamic the car is. Second, but perhaps more importantly is that your first few minutes in this car can’t possibly offer enough perspective to make an educated assessment.
From its first exposure to automotive journalists, it has been well documented that the Speed3 has a propensity toward dramatic “torque steer” under hard acceleration from a dead stop. While the Mazda engineers have made several improvements in an attempt to mitigate this, the over abundance of power going to the front wheels makes it impossible to fully sort. Indeed, the first few quick starts might unnerve an unsuspecting new driver, but it quickly becomes predictable and manageable with some courageous perseverance.
In the bustling midday Escondido traffic, the Speed3 was docile and effortless to operate. Low RPM driving was as it is in any other quality compact hatchback. The Speed3 accelerated smoothly and blended in easily thanks to its well balanced clutch, smooth brakes and steering that always seemed to require just the right amount of effort. Once free of the city however, the Speed3 was a different beast altogether.
Out in the undisclosed back country “testing area”, the Speed3 revealed itself to be a juggernaut and a temptress at once. Devouring the road ahead with ever increasing urgency, the car pulled itself into each twist and turn with the type of ferocity and confidence one would certainly expect from a sleek European exotic, but never from a 5 door Japanese hatchback. The ability of this front wheel drive car to claw through the tightest of turns while remaining so perfectly poised and predictable and then rocket away from those turns was jaw-dropping. 3rd gear acceleration was unbelievably strong throughout the rev range, allowing the car to propel itself forward and into the next challenging corner with unabashed vigor. Every time that little voice in my head said “you can’t top that”, the Speed3 invited me to do just so. In fact, the car never stopped inviting me to push harder, brake later, accelerate sooner and harder out of a turn, and I was powerless to say “no”. Be warned, this car will shatter your inhibitions behind the wheel.
I’m sure this car has a breaking point. That moment where the limits of adhesion surrender and everything goes horribly wrong, but I soon realized that in order to find that point it would require going out and looking for it in territory that I simply wasn’t willing to explore. In fact, no responsible driver would consider taking the Speed3 anywhere near its limits on a public road. A fact that is as terrifying as it is reassuring.
Although the Speed3 has the ability to toggle back and forth between mild mannered daily driver and vicious street fighter, its personality is never manic. It can take any number of driving scenarios in stride and adapt effortlessly to whatever is thrown its way. Wonderfully versatile and infinitely eager is the hallmark of Mazda’s newest welterweight.
Dialing things back down a notch, Del Dios Highway toward the coast was a great opportunity to just be with the car. Soaking in the surroundings in comfort with the dual climate controls and impressive sound system set just right, the Speed3 was an absolute pleasure. Despite its track-taming, sport suspension, the ride quality was very good. There was some road noise generated by the super sticky tires, but not enough to be bothersome. While cruising, the exhaust note was subdued and the feisty turbo-charged engine remained smooth and quiet. The supportive driver’s seat was more comfortable than expected as well. Even after 2 solid hours of driving, there was no sense of “Drivers Fatigue” to speak of.
Out on the coast in Encinitas, the Speed3 gathered plenty of approving looks from other motorists, and I was more than happy to be seen in such a desirable example of automotive excellence.
Experiencing the 2011 MazdaSpeed3 on all manner of roads from back country twisties and scenic routes, to city streets and open highways, there can be but one conclusion. This car is the real deal. For the price of a mundane everyday commuter, the MazdaSpeed3 offers up more thrills and excitement per dollar than any car on the market at this time. And, when you find yourself on the right stretch of pavement, it’s more fun than Katy Perry on an all-day sugar high. An incredible machine by any standard, a 5 star rating is easily bestowed.
Source: www.examiner.com
The MazdaSpeed3 has been a favorite among enthusiasts since it was introduced for the 2007 model year, and for good reason. Its combination of style, performance and value is virtually unparalleled, even in a market segment already awash with affordable hot hatchbacks. The 2011 model tested herein is the most refined and polished edition yet. The engineers and designers at Mazda have elevated the new Speed3 to a level of performance and drivability that no car in its price range can challenge. This mighty task was accomplished by diligently dissecting all that was learned from previous generations and applying the appropriate tweaks throughout. The results, are staggering.
MSRP starts at $23,700 for a well equipped Speed3. With all available options including Navigation, (Part of the “Tech Package”) and Sirius Satellite Radio, the price tops out at $25,370. EPA fuel mileage estimates put the Speed3’s economy at 18/25. There is standard seating for 5.
While internet rumors persisted early on, that a big power plant change was on the horizon for the 2011 model, Mazda chose to carry over a freshly revamped 263 BHP, 2.3 liter Direct-Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbocharged 4-cylinder with 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a Close ratio 6-speed manual transmission with torque sensing conical limited slip differential driving the front wheels via a pair of equal length half shafts. MazdaSpeed tuned suspension keeps the new Speed3 under control with the assistance of “Y”rated Summer tires wrapped around lightweight 7.5” x 18” alloy wheels (A half inch increase in wheel width from its predecessor). Stability is further enhanced by the redesigned rear spoiler. A new, fully functioning hood scoop provides much needed air directly to the top mounted intercooler.
Styling updates for 2011 include the above mentioned spoiler and hood scoop along with a new front fascia and wider fender arches. Several more subtle updates also add to what was an already exceptionally smart looking exterior. On the inside, the dark grey and red spattered seating upholstery is the only thing that may invite reproach. Overall interior style is quite good, with perfectly placed controls, quality materials and class leading comfort. Head and leg room for front occupants is also, exceptional. Rear seating room is ample as well, and fold down seats offer plenty of storage capacity. Practicality was clearly not an afterthought for the Speed3.
Josh Amerling, Sales Manager at Mazda of Escondido provided the examiner a new 2011 MazdaSpeed3 in “Mica” black for evaluation. If this car is at all on your RADAR, it can’t be overstated how important it is to take it for a lengthy test drive of your own. There are several good reasons for this. First, it is impossible to put into words just how wonderfully dynamic the car is. Second, but perhaps more importantly is that your first few minutes in this car can’t possibly offer enough perspective to make an educated assessment.
From its first exposure to automotive journalists, it has been well documented that the Speed3 has a propensity toward dramatic “torque steer” under hard acceleration from a dead stop. While the Mazda engineers have made several improvements in an attempt to mitigate this, the over abundance of power going to the front wheels makes it impossible to fully sort. Indeed, the first few quick starts might unnerve an unsuspecting new driver, but it quickly becomes predictable and manageable with some courageous perseverance.
In the bustling midday Escondido traffic, the Speed3 was docile and effortless to operate. Low RPM driving was as it is in any other quality compact hatchback. The Speed3 accelerated smoothly and blended in easily thanks to its well balanced clutch, smooth brakes and steering that always seemed to require just the right amount of effort. Once free of the city however, the Speed3 was a different beast altogether.
Out in the undisclosed back country “testing area”, the Speed3 revealed itself to be a juggernaut and a temptress at once. Devouring the road ahead with ever increasing urgency, the car pulled itself into each twist and turn with the type of ferocity and confidence one would certainly expect from a sleek European exotic, but never from a 5 door Japanese hatchback. The ability of this front wheel drive car to claw through the tightest of turns while remaining so perfectly poised and predictable and then rocket away from those turns was jaw-dropping. 3rd gear acceleration was unbelievably strong throughout the rev range, allowing the car to propel itself forward and into the next challenging corner with unabashed vigor. Every time that little voice in my head said “you can’t top that”, the Speed3 invited me to do just so. In fact, the car never stopped inviting me to push harder, brake later, accelerate sooner and harder out of a turn, and I was powerless to say “no”. Be warned, this car will shatter your inhibitions behind the wheel.
I’m sure this car has a breaking point. That moment where the limits of adhesion surrender and everything goes horribly wrong, but I soon realized that in order to find that point it would require going out and looking for it in territory that I simply wasn’t willing to explore. In fact, no responsible driver would consider taking the Speed3 anywhere near its limits on a public road. A fact that is as terrifying as it is reassuring.
Although the Speed3 has the ability to toggle back and forth between mild mannered daily driver and vicious street fighter, its personality is never manic. It can take any number of driving scenarios in stride and adapt effortlessly to whatever is thrown its way. Wonderfully versatile and infinitely eager is the hallmark of Mazda’s newest welterweight.
Dialing things back down a notch, Del Dios Highway toward the coast was a great opportunity to just be with the car. Soaking in the surroundings in comfort with the dual climate controls and impressive sound system set just right, the Speed3 was an absolute pleasure. Despite its track-taming, sport suspension, the ride quality was very good. There was some road noise generated by the super sticky tires, but not enough to be bothersome. While cruising, the exhaust note was subdued and the feisty turbo-charged engine remained smooth and quiet. The supportive driver’s seat was more comfortable than expected as well. Even after 2 solid hours of driving, there was no sense of “Drivers Fatigue” to speak of.
Out on the coast in Encinitas, the Speed3 gathered plenty of approving looks from other motorists, and I was more than happy to be seen in such a desirable example of automotive excellence.
Experiencing the 2011 MazdaSpeed3 on all manner of roads from back country twisties and scenic routes, to city streets and open highways, there can be but one conclusion. This car is the real deal. For the price of a mundane everyday commuter, the MazdaSpeed3 offers up more thrills and excitement per dollar than any car on the market at this time. And, when you find yourself on the right stretch of pavement, it’s more fun than Katy Perry on an all-day sugar high. An incredible machine by any standard, a 5 star rating is easily bestowed.
Source: www.examiner.com
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