Edmunds First Drive: Mazdaspeed 3 **Updated 7/28** Pricing CONFIRMED

[NFS4]

If Mazda ever needed a successful volume-selling car to ensure its survival, then the Mazda 3 is it. In just under three years, the popular hatch has sold more than 920,000 units worldwide and rates as one of the most competitive and best-handling hatches on the market.

But in the hot-hatch segment, Mazda lacked presence. Until now, that is. The new Mazdaspeed 3 lands in the U.S. in mid-September and has just gone on sale in Japan as the Mazda Axela MPS. Inside Line was first in line to check it out. Simply put, this car will cause many headaches for the segment's heavy hitters. It's sensational. Targeted directly at the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, the new kid on the block has the credentials to really throw some fireworks into this hotly contested genre.

Advantage: Mazda
At our test-drive near Mount Fuji, Chief Engineer Tatsuo Maeda pulled no punches when he said that his team's benchmark during the Axela MPS's development was the GTI, but with the intent to take the total package to the next level. The MPS's 18-inch rims and subtle yet sporty aeropart upgrades around the grille, bumpers and rear roof spoiler give the car the aggressive look it must have, while its two-tone interior trim, red stitching and polished-aluminum pedals make it all feel very, well, European.

But while the extent of cosmetic surgery parallels the GTI vs. the standard Golf, the hot 3's on-road performance makes this four-door the quickest hot hatch on the market. Tipping the scales at a mere 3,060 pounds, the MPS is 154 pounds lighter than the GTI, and boasts a 64-horsepower and a whopping 74 pound-feet of torque power advantage over its German rival.

The quest for firepower
Employing the same 2.3-liter turbo four as the Mazdaspeed 6, but with retuned intake and exhaust systems, and a modified ECU that reduces torque levels in 1st through 3rd gears, this super-Mazda generates 264 hp (JIS) at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. That translates into a rather quick 0-60-mph time of 6.1 seconds, according to Maeda.

That 264 hp is delivered through a clean-clicking six-speed manual gearbox with short throws and a firm touch. Power comes online from 2,500 rpm and stays hot all the way up to the 6,800-rpm redline, with its linear torque response more akin to a gutsy V6 than a four-cylinder turbo. But while the turbo's "phoooar" resonates loudly inside the cabin when pushed hard from 4,000 rpm, we feel the 3 could do with some extra exhaust note tweaking befitting the car's character.

Fearless, flawless front-wheel drive
Given that this 3 inherits significant hardware from the Mazdaspeed 6, we queried why Maeda opted for front-wheel drive over the 6's 4WD. "To retain the 3's hatch-like feel, keep weight and cost down, and to clearly differentiate it from the Mazdaspeed 6," came back instantly, obviously a question he'd had before.

And after just five minutes in the car, any doubts we had about dubious traction levels under power or torque-steer problems dissolved instantly. As a top priority on the R&D team's list, engineers have not only reinforced the driveshaft, but have also fitted a specially tuned torque-sensing super limited-slip differential. And when called on to control overzealous right boots, Mazda's Dynamic Stability Control intervenes without interfering in the fun.

Handle this
In addition to extra reinforcement around the floor and center tunnel and across the strut towers, beefier spring rates and thicker stabilizers allow the Mazdaspeed to corner faster and flatter than anything in its class. Initially, steering is heavy on turn-in, but then progressive and always perfectly weighted. You get all the feedback you need and none of the understeer you dread.

Whether in tight low-speed corners or high-speed bends, the Mazdaspeed 3 is effortlessly composed. With 18-inch sticky Bridgestone RE050As on the job, the rear end behaves nicely, following the line made by the front. And when called upon, the over-spec brake package ? employing calipers and rotors from the Volvo S60 but retuned by Mazda ? washes off speed quicker than any Mazda before it.

Honed in Germany, this suspension and chassis package has been tested up to the car's top speed of 155 mph, and despite the 18-inch rubber and sport suspension, the ride and noise levels at speed are surprisingly good.

Welcome to hatchback heaven
Inside, the car is quiet and comfortable thanks to contoured sport seats with "just-right" cushioning, a fact that Mazda has become known for recently. And with red-stitched black-and-gray trim, leather-bound steering wheel and gearshifter, and the Mazdaspeed logo adorning the seats and speedo, the mood is set.

Boasting more power and a better handling package for just 2.41 million yen (about $21,000), the Mazdaspeed 3 trumps the opposition, hands down. The only issue remaining is brand image. Can the Mazda muster sufficient street cred to draw buyers into showrooms? Because the numbers are in, and the Mazdaspeed 3 is the new king of the hot-hatch hill in Japan.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=116119#2

Sport: $22,240
Grand Touring: $23,955

**Updated 7/28**

Official pricing

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/display...ction?pageParameter=upcomingMS3&bhcp=1

 

[ElFenix]

so when is clarkson going to get his hands on one?

 

[Doboji]

man... It's gonna be faster than my Speed6

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
so when is clarkson going to get his hands on one?

I don't know, but it will be interesting because Hammond hated the Mazda3. Clarkson also adores the Ford Focus ST, which is only a little slower than the MPS3. It will be an interesting review

 

[Doggiedog]

For $21K that's a fantastic deal.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
For $21K that's a fantastic deal.

...in Japan. Probably closer to $25k here. Heck, my 3s GT Hatch was $21.5k

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: ElFenix
so when is clarkson going to get his hands on one?

I don't know, but it will be interesting because Hammond hated the Mazda3. Clarkson also adores the Ford Focus ST, which is only a little slower than the MPS3. It will be an interesting review

The Hamster probably couldn't even see over the steering wheel

 

[NFS4]

Mazdaspeed3 pricing effective July 24th sent to dealers:

Sport: $22,240
Grand Touring: $23,955

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=52331.0

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: Doboji
man... It's gonna be faster than my Speed6

More important question: Will it be faster around a track than a RWD of comparable price and space?

 

[psteng19]

Love the Mazda3 (hate the rims), but the price is getting a bit up there.
For the same price, I could get a AWD WRX with a bigger motor and more aftermarket.

So this is available in hatch form only? I think the sedan looks a lot better than the hatch.

 

[BD2003]

Can you buy it without that fugly ass wing?

 

[randomlinh]

drool... drools quite a bit... DAMMIT I'm going to cave and trade in my 3 aren't I.... but yes, I like my sedan over the hatch.

 

[tfinch2]

0-60 in 6.1? Color me unimpressed.

It looks alright though I guess, just lose that stupid wing.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Potential for price increase

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Potential for price increase

heh...I wonder what the discount is for one in slightly damp condion is?

 

[fbrdphreak]

$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

Subaru is running a cash back incentive now too so $24K is before taxes and fees is possible I think. Paid about $27.5K OTD on my 05 GT Limited plus a couple goddies.

 

[Rickten]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

msrp is almost 29k on those. Can they really be had new for 24?

does anyone know what kind of fuel the ms3 needs. I've read the ms6 wants 93 octane.
I wouldn't even know where to find that gas.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Rickten

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

msrp is almost 29k on those. Can they really be had new for 24?

does anyone know what kind of fuel the ms3 needs. I've read the ms6 wants 93 octane.
I wouldn't even know where to find that gas.

Everything I've heard says LGT non-Ltd goes for $24K off the lot, Limited version goes about $26K off the lot.

MS3 will need 93, any turbo worth a sh!t will.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: Rickten

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

msrp is almost 29k on those. Can they really be had new for 24?

does anyone know what kind of fuel the ms3 needs. I've read the ms6 wants 93 octane.
I wouldn't even know where to find that gas.

Everything I've heard says LGT non-Ltd goes for $24K off the lot, Limited version goes about $26K off the lot.

MS3 will need 93, any turbo worth a sh!t will.

I guess that speaks volumes for the Legacy's popularity...they have to give them away. Resale should be sucky as well. If the MazdaSpeed Protege is any indicator, the MS3 would be a MUCH better investment.

 

[randomlinh]

wait... 93 octane.. not 91?!? DAMN IT

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: Rickten

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

msrp is almost 29k on those. Can they really be had new for 24?

does anyone know what kind of fuel the ms3 needs. I've read the ms6 wants 93 octane.
I wouldn't even know where to find that gas.

Everything I've heard says LGT non-Ltd goes for $24K off the lot, Limited version goes about $26K off the lot.

MS3 will need 93, any turbo worth a sh!t will.

I guess that speaks volumes for the Legacy's popularity...they have to give them away. Resale should be sucky as well. If the MazdaSpeed Protege is any indicator, the MS3 would be a MUCH better investment.

OK Mazda fan boy 05 LGT 5-speed has private party value of $22K & suggested retail of $24.4.

I agree the Leg's must not be selling well for such discounts to be given off the lot, but at least its not a company-offered discount like with GM, its the dealers taking money off to sell them. Hell I'm not complaining, that's a helluva an awesome car that will still be rocking @ 200K miles. I wouldn't imagine an MS3 will last that long. After all, it is a Mazda/Ford Yeah yeah I know its made in Japan too.

In the end it'll come down to which is available at what price. We don't know how dealers are going to react with the MS3, we may see limited negotiating or even markup. Either way the Subaru is going for cheap and I've got a connection @ a Ford dealership, so I'll have my pick when the time comes

 

[Rickten]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: Rickten

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

msrp is almost 29k on those. Can they really be had new for 24?

does anyone know what kind of fuel the ms3 needs. I've read the ms6 wants 93 octane.
I wouldn't even know where to find that gas.

Everything I've heard says LGT non-Ltd goes for $24K off the lot, Limited version goes about $26K off the lot.

MS3 will need 93, any turbo worth a sh!t will.

yeah thats too bad, this car in my mind can't be a daily driver. Fuel costs would be to hard to swallow.


edit: fbrdphreak where are you seeing suggested retail of 24.4k. I'm looking right at the suburu site and I see 28.795k for legacy 2.5 gt limited sedan.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
wait... 93 octane.. not 91?!? DAMN IT

It'll probly run fine on 91. 87 would be a no-no, the computer would retard timing although nothing negative should happen to the engine; just reduced performance and possibly mileage.

Hopefully the MS3 won't have the same heatsoak issues as the MS6, but given its the same setup in a different chassis there's a good chance of it.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: Rickten

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: Rickten

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
$24K for the grand sport eh? For a couple grand more you can get a Legacy GT Limited, 0-60 5.3s with leather and the works, like the grand sport. But the MS3 should get better gas mileage. FWD vs AWD. Decisions decisions

msrp is almost 29k on those. Can they really be had new for 24?

does anyone know what kind of fuel the ms3 needs. I've read the ms6 wants 93 octane.
I wouldn't even know where to find that gas.

Everything I've heard says LGT non-Ltd goes for $24K off the lot, Limited version goes about $26K off the lot.

MS3 will need 93, any turbo worth a sh!t will.

yeah thats too bad, this car in my mind can't be a daily driver. Fuel costs would be to hard to swallow.

Its like an extra $8-10 per tank depending on gas prices (assume $3 reg & $3.20 prem right now). If you want any decent engine in the mid-200HP range, most will use premium these days. The domestic V6's don't to my knowledge, but most any import engine with four or six cylinders that makes 200+HP uses premium. Civic Si, TSX, G35, Legacy GT, MS6, MS3, Maxima?, TL, etc etc etc