Mazdaspeed3

Mazdaspeed3

Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazda3 MPS Mazdaspeed Axela
Production	2007–present
Assembly	Hofu, Japan
Class	Sport compact
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine	2.3L I4
Transmission	6-speed manual
Related	Mazda3 Mazda CX-7 Ford Focus Volvo S40 Volvo V50 Volvo C30

First generation

Production	2007–2009
Wheelbase	2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length	4,485 mm (176.6 in)
Width	1,755 mm (69.1 in)
Height	1,465 mm (57.7 in)

The Mazdaspeed3 is a sport compact hatchback introduced by Mazdaspeed for the 2007 model year, as a performance-enhanced version of the Mazda3. Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. Pricing starts at US$ 22,835 (including destination) and it is designed to compete with the latest generation of hot hatches, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, and the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI.

The Mazdaspeed3 features the same turbocharged 2.3-litre DISI MZR I4 engine from the Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as Mazdaspeed6 in North America and Mazda 6 MPS in Europe, South Africa and Australia). In this application, it produces 263 hp (196 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) when running on 91 octane gasoline ((R+M)/2). This is routed through the front wheels rather than the complex all-wheel drive system found on the Mazdaspeed Atenza. The Australian market receives the Mazda3 MPS with the same engine as the Mazda6 MPS with 190 kW (255 hp) of power. The engine was listed in Ward's 10 Best Engines for three years straight.^[1]

A GKN limited slip differential is standard, along with a six-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes, traction control and dynamic stability control. No automatic transmission option has yet been offered. To limit wheel slip, boost in the first gear will be limited to produce a maximum of 230 hp (170 kW), boost in second gear is also limited. The amount of boost reduction is determined by the gear selection and steering angle. There is no reduction of boost third or above.

It uses the five-door hatchback body of the Mazda3, though it has extra structural bracing and subtle exterior styling differences. Volvo-sourced 12.6 in (320 mm) front and 11.0 in (280 mm) rear brake discs hide under 18 in (457 mm) wheels.

Critical reception has been generally very positive, with automotive writers praising the car's balance of good performance and low cost. The review by Edmunds.com compared the vehicle favorably to some more expensive rivals, saying "It's a lot of machine for the money and it offers the same balance of speed, practicality and value we've found previously only in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI."

In several road tests, the Mazdaspeed3 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds with skidpad numbers in the .87g to .91g range. In Car and Driver magazine's May 2007 issue, the Mazdaspeed3 recorded its quickest acceleration times, completing the 0–60 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 13.8 at 102 mph (164 km/h). Car and Driver also put the Mazdaspeed3 on their 10 best list for 2007, 2008, and 2010.

Variants

Mazda offered two trim levels with the Mazdaspeed3. The Grand Touring model (pictured) has few outwardly visible differences from the Mazdaspeed3 Sport but includes leather and lycra weave logo-embroidered racing seats, Bose stereo with 6-CD in-dash changer, automatic Xenon headlamps with manual leveling control, LED tail lights (the main visible difference), and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

2008 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring (USA)

The Mazdaspeed3 Sport and GT both include front and side driver and passenger airbags, air-curtains, logo-embroidered racing seats, signature red-stitched seams throughout, logo sill-plates, aluminum GT-style pedals, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, automatic climate control and 18 inch Magnesium alloy wheels. Additional cross-members within the chassis frame and body stiffen the vehicle to improve handling and control under heavy braking and acceleration in addition to quelling torsional flex. ABS brakes assist corner and wet-weather braking, lateral and through-ventilated disc brakes on all wheels provide extreme stopping power with reduced fade. DSC and Traction Control on all Speed3 models is also standard.

2010 Mazdaspeed3

Second generation

Production	2010–
Wheelbase	2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length	4,505 mm (177.4 in)
Width	1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height	1,460 mm (57.5 in)

The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 retains the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine.^[2] Pictures and comprehensive details were revealed to the public at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show and its North American Debut was at the New York Auto Show in April 2009. The MZR 2.3 liter engine remains, however new ECU tweaks will provide for a more useful power curve; additionally the gear ratios have been revised. A functional hood scoop was added to allow for a denser charge to the top-mounted intercooler while also keeping heatsoak to a minimum, a common complaint with the 1st generation Mazdaspeed3. The updated car comes with some additional weight which should be offset by the ECU and gear updates. ^[3]

Awards and recognition

The Mazdaspeed3 has received numerous awards since its inception, winning Car and Driver's 10 Best list for 2007, 2008, and 2010^[4]; the car was an Automobile Magazine's 2007 All Star as well and has also received several more mentions and awards.^[5]

References

1. ^ 2008 Ward's 10 Best Engines
2. ^ "Mazda Canada". Mazda.ca. http://www.mazda.ca/root.asp?lang=eng. Retrieved 2009-04-12. 
3. ^ AUSmotive.com - 2009 Mazda3 MPS image gallery
4. ^ "Car and Driver 10Best - 2010". caranddriver.com. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q4/2010_10best_cars-10best_cars. Retrieved 2010-08-23. 
5. ^ "Mazda South Africa - Mazda3 Awards". Mazda.co.za. http://www.mazda.co.za/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1163396235821&pagename=Page&site=MSA&c=DFYPage. Retrieved 2010-02-04. 

External links

• Review in AutoWeek
• Review in Car and Driver
• Review in Motor Trend
• Review in Road and Track
• about.com review
• mazda-mps.org Mazda3 MPS Owners Network
• Mazda.ca Information Regarding the 2010 Mazdaspeed3
• The UK MPS Owners Club
• MOCSA - Mazda Owners Club of South Africa