ICONIC
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, May 18, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
POCKET ROCKSTAR
Mazda engineers have taken the popular Mazda3 four-door hatchback and infused it
with more power, performance and styling for the hot-selling hatch/sport compact
segment. While the base price of a new Mazda3 is $14,700.00, the MAZDASPEED3
carries a base price of $24,055.00 and including a long list of standard
features. It's well worth it for someone looking for a hot hatchback to take
care of a multitude of everyday needs. It also provides you with the ability to
drive one the quickest and fastest front-wheel-drive vehicles on the market. The
MAZDASPEED3 is a great balance of driving pleasure with everyday functionality
and comfort, at a great price.
Under the domed hood of the car is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled
2.3 liter four-cylinder direct-injection engine that powers the MAZDDSPEED6
sport sedan.
Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust
emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda's MZR 2.3 DISI turbo-charged,
all-aluminum engine produces 263 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, and 263 pound-feet of
torque at 3,000 rpm. Tuning of the exhaust system focused on sounds in the low
frequency range, while tuning of engine sound on the mid frequency range
produced at high engine speeds deliver a deep, throaty sporty sound. It's music
to any enthusiast ears.
To increase the drivability in what is a very powerful front-wheel drive car,
intake volume and boost pressure-control suppress sudden torque peaks, assuring
smooth, linear torque delivery. Also, torque characteristics from first through
third gears are electronically controlled to deliver appropriate power delivery,
minimizing torque-steer and wheel-spin. Torque control is also linked to the
steering angle, and the stiffness of the left and right drive shafts is
balanced, also working to minimize torque-steer.
A newly developed limited slip differential also minimizes wheel-spin on the
inner wheel during hard cornering for smooth, predictable power delivery. I
found that at hard launch you will feel the steering wheel pull a little to the
left but it is easily managed as you accelerate. If the MAZDASPEED3 utilized an
all-wheel-drive system the problem of toque steering would be solved.
The MAZDASPEED3 engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission shared with
the MAZDASPEED6 providing you with full control over the vehicle's high power,
while contributing to a quiet ride and strong fuel economy. Shifting is quick
and smooth up and down the gears. A compact three-shaft design made it possible
to keep the overall length the same as the five-speed manual used in the
standard Mazda 3. Additionally, the MAZDASPEED3'S six-speed transmission uses
wide gear ratios to fully exploit the wide torque band of the direct-injection
turbocharged engine.
To help manage the higher speed capability and harder cornering ability, the
MAZDASPEED3 features a body with increased rigidity. Body rigidity has been
increased by several features including a reinforced front cowl member that is
joined directly to a plate in the top section of the front shock mount, assuring
the same rigidity as a car fitted with a strut tower brace. This prevents
deformation of the front suspension towers and maintains correct suspension
geometry. In the lower body, a large closed section member is employed to
reinforce the floor tunnel which improves the torsional rigidity of the whole
body. At the rear, the gusset introduced at the bottom end of the rear
suspension towers restrains the tendency of the towers to displace inwards which
maintains the correct suspension geometry under all cornering loads.
Both the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension have
high spring rates and larger diameter stabilizer bars than the standard Mazda 3.
Damping force on both compression and rebound is raised approximately six-times
at low piston speed, and about 1.3-times at moderate piston speed. In
combination with the reinforced springs and stabilizer bars, this produces 60
percent more roll stiffness than the Mazda 3.
The power-assisted, rack and pinion steering system gives quick reaction to your
inputs when you are changing lanes to pass slower moving vehicles, and when
challenging curving roads. Helping to quickly and safely slow the MAZDASPEED3
down from speed are larger four-wheel disc brakes. Up front are 12.6-inch vented
discs and 11-inch solid discs in the rear. Keeping you in full control during
hard braking are standard ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake
assist. Helping to keep you on track is dynamic stability control which also
comes standard.
The MAZDASPEED3 rides on large, 18X7 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with
Bridgestone 215/45R18 Potenza REO50-A high-performance tires that add grip,
traction and help with smoothing out rough road surfaces.
The car's styling cues pursue a look of strength and solidity in a design that
conveys the car's dynamic performance. Its form is characterized by boldly
flared front fenders and effective use of strong edges on the hood. These
combine with functional forms of the bumpers, spoilers and other parts developed
for aerodynamic performance.
The front fenders are widened 20 mm to provide clearance for the larger tires
and to evoke a well-planted stance. Strong lines are seen flowing back along the
hood from the upper part of the five-point grille used as the air intake for the
intercooler, and the aerodynamically shaped front bumper and large lower grille
serving as the air intake for the radiator. From the side, you see deep lower
side skirts that help with air management. Also enhancing airflow underneath are
a wide variety of under-floor parts that were employed to achieve a co-efficient
of drag of just 0.32. The rear view is characterized by the design of the rear
bumper, clear lens LED tail lamps, a large-diameter exhaust pipe, and a roof
spoiler with integrated high-mount LED brake light.
The interior is sporty and comfortable with a high-quality black finish that
sets the tone of the interior which is accented by red stitching on the
thick-cut, high-back sport bucket seats, steering wheel and the six-speed manual
transmission shift knob that creates a sporty yet refined look. The instrument
panel includes a matte black decorative insert panel finished with a hairline
treatment to underscore the vehicle's personality of fun and function. Aluminum
foot pedals, and stainless steel scuff plates further contribute to the sporty,
high-quality feel that distinguishes MAZDASPEED models.
Standard equipment, not mentioned above, in the MAZDASPEED3 include Xenon
headlamps, fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, 60-40-split rear folding seats, Bose
audio system with seven-speakers, six-disc CD player, SIRIUS satellite radio,
steering wheel audio controls/cruise control, tilt/telescope steering wheel,
power windows/door locks, power-remote site mirrors, dual illuminated vanity
mirrors, automatic climate control, center armrest with dual storage, dual
cupholders, grab handles above each door, thick-pile carpeting and front/rear
floor mats. Options include Mazda's Navigation System.
No sunroof is available.
Standard safety features include anti-whiplash front seat design, LATCH child
seat anchors, triple-H body construction, anti-theft engine immobilizer,
front/side-impact airbags and curtains, and theft-deterrent security system.
The MAZDASPEED3 is a great way to save money and drive an exciting and sporty
5-door compact sedan. The only competition in this segment right now is the
Dodge Caliber SRT4 priced about the same.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Rock star performance without the usual rock star bad habits.
SIDEBAR COMMENT
The MAZDASPEED3 is the current darling of the mid-$20,000 tuner group. The Dodge
Caliber SRT4 is only one that can match the MS3 in this group for raw power
(actually, exceeds it at a mind-blowing 285 horsepower from a 4 banger!), but
can't match it for overall balance. On the other hand, there are the all new AWD
Subaru Impreza 5-door WRX, which offers more finesse around corners, and the
5-door Volkswagen GTI, which is just as much fun but feels like a more expensive
car. - Roy Nakano
For more information about Mazda products, go to
www.mazdausa.com
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: MazdaSpeed 3 Price: Base-$24,055.00; $26,640.00 as tested Engine type: In-line 4-cylinder, DOHC turbo charged Horsepower: 263 at 5,500 rpm Torque: 263lb-ft at 3,000 rpm EPA mileage: 18 mpg/city, 26 mpg/highway Drive configuration: Front engine/front-wheel-drive Transmission: 6-speed manual Front suspension: MacPherson independent struts Rear suspension: Independent multi-link Wheels/tires: 18X7 aluminum wheels 215/45R18 high-performance tires Brakes: f/r-12.6-in. vented discs with dual-piston calipers/11in. solid discs with single-piston calipers Overall length: 176.8 in. Total width: 69.5 in. Total height: 57.7 in. Curb weight: 3,153 lbs.