17/09/09

2010 MazdaSpeed 3 Test Drive: Potent, Hot Hatch, Refined and Retuned for Fun



The Specs
Maximum power remains unchanged from the previous model at 263 hp at 5500 rpm, as does the torque peak of 280 lb-ft at 3000 rpm. But the way in which that tractive force is delivered to the front wheels has been finessed. Mazda's torque management system, which trims engine output in the three lower gears dependent on steering angle, has been recalibrated to reduce wheel fight at full throttle even more than before.



The six-speed transmission now utilizes a broader range of ratios to capitalize on the 2.3-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged Four's copious torque spread. The adoption of a hood-mounted intercooler duct made space for a cold-air induction system at the grille, improving charge-air cooling at both sites.New cast-alloy wheels mount wider, 225/40R-18 Dunlop SP Sport 2050 performance tires, acting in concert with a retuned chassis boasting higher-rate springs, tighter shock valving and revised front antiroll-bar mountings.

The MazdaSpeed3 was tuned to excel on fast-but-bumpy roads, and owners of the previous version (who were consulted during the current project) have found this new one to ride better. Also improved was the steering feel. Steering assistance is now provided by an electrically powered hydraulic pump, and the rack is mounted at three rather than two points—the stiffer the mount, the more potential for supple steering feeback.
Inside the car, you find MazdaSpeed-themed instrumentation and black-and-red upholstery, along with an LED boost gauge mounted between the meters. MazdaSpeed3 seats have extra bolstering, and the pedal faces are aluminum.
The Drive
The improved refinement is immediately noticeable when you first drive the Speed3 (as Mazda officials call it). The sense of isolation inside the cabin is good, and ride quality is surprisingly compliant given the heightened level of control from all suspension components. The exuberant thrust of this potent little engine is an instant reminder of what made the original Speed3 such a charming device, but even here the reduction in torque steer is apparent.

Still, wheel fight is not completely absent. Most times it manifests as a reduction of self-centering force as you power out of bends, but there's an occasional wayward tug at the steering wheel rim to remind you that there's substantial torque twirling those front wheels. The car's handling was showcased at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, where the high levels of stability made the Speed3 easy to drive fast without any hint of squirrelly moves.

The only shortcoming (if you can call it that) highlighted by the track experience was a slightly sticky third-fourth gear gate when shifting from either of the other two gears, calling for just a slightly slower and careful selection. Since we were mainly using third and fourth gear around Mazda Raceway, with just a quick snatch of fifth on the front straightaway, it wasn't enough to dampen our enjoyment.

While the Speed3 feels as if it has way more chassis than engine on the track, a quick foray through the canyon roads nearby quickly reminds a driver just how fast this little hatch is. It will scrabble to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds, and top out at better than 155 mph. The Mazda also possesses enough agility in twisty circumstances to churn the stomachs of hardened passengers. And, yes, the brakes are strong too.
Not only is the Speed3 a wicked weekend plaything, it can be driven around at relaxed speeds with little drama or discomfort in an everyday environment. And, of course, we appreciate the amazingly versatile five-door hatch. If you can live with that relentlessly cheerful grinning face, you'll undoubtedly find the rest of the relationship with the Speed3 to be reliably entertaining.

The Bottom Line
Priced at $23,945, including delivery, the Speed3 is pretty well equipped, coming with standard ABS and stability control. There's only one major optional upgrade: A Tech package that adds a Bose sound system with a six-CD changer, Sirius satellite radio and a navigation system that uses a compact display that is curiously difficult to read. But with this much fun on tap at such a reasonable price, we'll certainly let that one slide.


 

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