2007 MazdaSpeed3

While factory-back tuner cars are all the rage, most often they’re big buck efforts from the likes of Mercedes AMG unit or BMW’s M. That’s what makes the MazdaSpeed folks so intriguing. Not only are their rides fast and furiously styled, they are also practical and affordable. We’ve already tested and loved the mid-size MazdaSpeed6. Now it’s one step down in size for the MazdaSpeed3. But a more compact body doesn’t mean they left out a single thrill.

And we don’t know a better place for thrills than our winter testing venue, Georgia’s Roebling Road Raceway. While clearly a street racer, our hot rod 2007 MazdaSpeed3 took to Roebling’s 10-turns like the proverbial duck takes to water.

For starters, this pumped-up version of the 5-door hatchback Mazda3 gets its “Zoom Zoom” from a 2.3-liter turbo direct injected four-cylinder, the same little dynamo used in the larger MazdaSpeed6. Here, it produces a potent 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. While detuned from the Speed6, it still way stronger than rivals like the Honda Civic Si.

Like the Speed6, the Speed3’s power links to a six-speed manual. But while the 6 is all-wheel drive, the 3 is front drive to save weight and cost, a setup suited better for the street than the track. But a sophisticated electronic torque management system tries to offset this limitation.

By minimizing excess boost and smoothing intake volume, it flattens out torque spikes in the lower gears that often produce excessive torque steer in high-horsepower front-drivers.

Still, our Speed3’s straightline results were a tad slower than the heavier, but grippier Speed6. Zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds with the quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds at 97 miles per hour. But once the turbo spools up, there is a great mid-range rush, and we were never wanting for more power.  Then we hit Robeling’s corners running.

While the standard stability control was switched off to better gauge the natural reactions of the Speed3, a limited slip differential was still in play to keep power flowing in turns.

The somewhat soft MazdaSpeed3 still turns in quickly and is very tossable.  But when the front tires are overpowered, a nasty amount of understeer rears its head. That puts the onus on the driver to plan corners judiciously, with the throttle squeezed rather than stabbed on exits. If done right, this car slingshots off a turn, automatically setting up for the next.

The MazdaSpeed3’s agility comes from numerous chassis reinforcements for increased body rigidity, again similar to the Speed6. The heavily recalibrated front MacPherson strut, and rear multi-link suspension, sports higher spring rates and larger stabilizer bars. 

To match its fast and furious performance, the MazdaSpeed3 also dons a high-performance braking system, with large-diameter four-wheel discs with ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.  Our speedster stopped on a dime in only 114 feet from 60 to 0.

On the outside, the MazdaSpeed3 is stylish and sporty, but not toy like. Bold details and a lowered, well-planted stance telegraph its sports car soul.

The front boasts a double-mesh lower air intake, winged fog lamps, wider fenders, and an edgy hood grant a finely sculpted look.  Tasteful side skirts, a rear spoiler, and bright exhaust finish off the Speed3’s performance image.

The whole package sits atop 18-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels wearing 45-Series ultra-low profile performance rubber.

Keeping with the MazdaSpeed practice, the inside of this 5-seater is defined by multiple shades of black, with red accents and stitching. A clean dash houses large, deep, overlapping gauges with orange lighting.

The leather and cloth sport seats are firm, comfortable, and don the MazdaSpeed logo. Minimal brightwork includes aluminum pedals and stainless steel scuff plates. Practical aspects include standard iPod jack and 7-speaker Bose 6-CD stereo.

Our GT-trim test car has optional navigation, with a screen that cleverly hides in the dash until summoned. Safety comes as six standard airbags. And the usable rear seat features 60/40 split fold access to an already large 16.5 cubic foot cargo bay.

Government Fuel Economy ratings for the MazdaSpeed3 are 20 city/28 highway using premium fuel, with an Energy Impact Score of 14.9 barrels of oil per year.  That makes it a high performance car with everyday efficiency. 

But what really makes the MazdaSpeed3 an everyday jewel is its price. Sport Trim starts at $22,835.  Our GT’s base price is $24,550, with navigation pushing it to $26,300.   

Obviously you don’t have to hock the crown jewels to play the factory-tuner game. The 2007 MazdaSpeed3 makes a clear high performance statement, both on and off the track, while never loosing sight of its everyday compact duties. It’s one, affordable thrill ride you want to drive every day.