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At $22,835, the 263 horsepower the Mazdaspeed 3 may sound appealing, but the 2.3 liter direct-injection turbocharged engine may be too much for the car to handle. Mark Phelan, of the Detroit Free Press, took the Mazdaspeed 3 out for a test drive and discovered that the 263 horsepower in the car undermines steering and handling.
The key features are definitely there. Mazda upgraded the brakes that result in smooth stopping even at high-speeds; the six-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly with a light clutch. The body kit along with 18-inch alloy wheels provide a sporty look along with a simple interior, with an option of a navigation system; but Mazda should’ve stopped adding horses around 220 or so to make it perfect.
Basically, Mazda left the Mazdaspeed 3 on the burner for a little too long and the engine outputs more power than the front-wheel drive car can handle; making it hard to keep the car planted on the road and making it harder to take curves at high-speeds. Even when Phelan was driving the Mazdaspeed 3 at low speeds, he felt it took a lot of effort to steer the car.
While the Mazdaspeed 3 may be the best car in its class and may offer the most bang for its buck, someone at Mazda should’ve stepped in and said “enough is enough.”
Mazdaspeed 3 Gallery (click thumbnails to enlarge images):
Source: Detroit Free Press
Technorati Tags: Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Mazda
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jack barr Says:
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:20 amVisit jack barr
Maybe the Detroit Free Press should have sent a real car enthusiast to test the Mazdaspeed 3 instead of Mark Phelan. Mark should not be testing balls-to-the-wall performance sedans. This car is a limited-edition performer with production of only 5000 in the USA for 2007. The Speed 3 has been highly rated by editors and customers on many magazines and websites on the net. It has won top honors in many magazines which you can find with a google search.
It may look like a family car but it’s a pocket rocket.
Ian Alford Says:
June 7th, 2007 at 5:32 pmVisit Ian Alford
I agree with Mr. Barr. I have owned the Speed3 for two months and have thoroughly enjoyed all of my driving time. I am 42 years old and an enthusiast so maybe don’t fit into a niche that Mr. Phelan appears to be concerned about. (Inexperienced or inattentive drivers?) The car does have torque steer, but it is predictable and manageable. I primarily utilize the car’s power on the interstate and this is where it shines - although winding roads are also a pleasure with, in my opinion, no “undermining of the steering and handling”. The steering is precise and almost effortless so I am at a loss to explain why the author feels “it took a lot of effort to steer the car.” Like most anything else in life this car is what you make of it. If the operator isn’t in tune with this or any other machine - bad things can happen. This is a drivers car; designed for the thrill and enjoyment of a person melded to their vehicle and focused on the road - not their cell phone, ipod or the looming deadline for the submission of their article. If Mr. Phelan even drove this car perhaps he should resign himself to testing / calculating MPG figures for the Prius or the wonderful assortment of accoutrements available for the various Scions.
Mike Dankewich Says:
July 20th, 2007 at 4:41 pmVisit Mike Dankewich
I have to agree with Mr Barr and Mr Alford. I too own a Mazdaspeed 3 and in no way find it too powerful, infact, I feel the power ratings a bit generous and would like the car to be a bit faster. I do not feel that the hadling is upset by the application of power, as long as the driver knows how to handle it.
I think Mr phelan needs to grow some balls or stop reviewing performance cars.
virgil vizcaya Says:
September 6th, 2007 at 2:25 pmVisit virgil vizcaya
Sorry but Mr Phelan, you are a whimp. I own an 07 blk speed3, and it is a hundred times better than my 06 civic si coupe. I wish it had 300 whp. If you think the speed3 is hard to drive, then maybe a toyota prius would be perfect for you. Besides, one ride in my modded 363whp speed3 and you’d have a heart attack.
This is why there are Honda fit cars and chevrolet zo6 cars. Something for everyone.
Bill Cole Says:
October 19th, 2007 at 7:21 pmVisit Bill Cole
Most fun car I ever had, traded in 2002 VW GTI it was quick but not like this car. It feels bigger and safer. I am 62, give it the gas any gear it takes off, I have had big cars 455 cube inch. drove 406 Fords with three two’s this is a cool car. most fun car I ever had for the MONEY.