REVIEW: Adam Reid, AJAC

The concept of adding more horsepower to an ordinary car has been around for decades. In recent years car manufacturers have created in-house tuner divisions to develop exciting souped-up cars that are based on vehicles within their portfolio. Chrysler has its SRT division, Nissan's NISMO department supplies aftermarket parts and accessories, and there are rumors about the glorious return of Ford's Special Vehicles Team.

Mazda is a relatively new player but has launched three new MazdaSpeed models in the last three years. The most recent is the MazdaSpeed3, an enhanced version of the Mazda3 Sport, the hatchback version of the popular Mazda3 sedan. The platform is solid, sharing some mechanical components with the Volvo S40 and the European version of the Ford Focus.

The highlight of the MazdaSpeed3 the MZR 2.3-litre DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbo-charged and intercooled engine. This 2.3-litre, which also powers the MazdaSpeed6 and the CX-7 crossover SUV, pumps out 263 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a whopping 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The weight-to-horsepower rating is impressive and the MazdaSpeed3 rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.

That power and torque is routed to the front wheels through a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. Mazda electronically manages the intake volume and boost pressure control to limit sudden torque peaks. This system, along with a limited-slip differential minimizes torque steer and wheel spin. A surprising advantage for owners on the Prairies is that this system provides excellent traction control for easy starts on ice and snow.

The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension have higher spring rates and larger diameter stabilizer bars than the standard Mazda3. The four-wheel disc brakes with ABS lacked the confidence and bite expected of a car with this level of performance. However, it should be noted that testing on frozen roads with Toyo Garit 215/50R17 winter tires and several weeks of minus 35-degree temperatures may have affected stopping ability during testing.

Knowing that automotive manufacturers can selectively fine-tune the exhaust note is somewhat disconcerting but in this application it works very well. Only under rising or high RPM's is the exhaust note pleasantly audible within the car. Conversely, the noise coming from the oversized tailpipe sounds terrific; probably too quiet for the local tuner crowd but a very good compromise for suburb-dwellers that don't want to wake the neighbours.

Styling differences between the Mazda3 Sport and the MazdaSpeed3 are subtle. The large lower grille, significantly taller than its non-'Speed brethren, functions as the air intake for the radiator. The front fenders are slightly flared to provide clearance for the 18 inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, and the addition of side skirts enhances the aerodynamic appearance of the car. The spoiler on the rear hatch above the back window looks good without being overstated.

I've never had any complaints about the interior of the base Mazda3, which is well laid-out with gauges backlit in red. The changes to the MazdaSpeed3 are executed well. The stainless steel scuff plates on the doorsills add to the sporty feel, as do the racecar-inspired pedals. Red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob match the gauges, and the word "Mazdaspeed" is stitched into the front headrests. The only major change is the seats, which are noticeably stiffer and more supportive than those in the Mazda3.

Last summer my impressions of a MazdaSpeed6 were quite different. Where the MazdaSpeed6 was sporty and fast, it was not light on its feet and first gear was way too short for civilized commuter driving. The MazdaSpeed6 was either moving quickly or not moving at all. Combining the torque management system and limited slip differential, Mazda has achieved harmony in the MazdaSpeed3. For those that want more - more power, more rigidity, more handling - Mazda offers a selection of aftermarket parts to further enhance the MMazdaSpeed experience.

The MazdaSpeed3 was in my hands during a winter cold-snap but the car still performed very well. Even as a Point A to Point B commuter car, MazdaSpeed3 is a blast to rip around in and is quick to rise to the challenge when called upon for spirited driving. Power delivery is swift and manageable and the short-throw transmission is a pleasure. The MazdaSpeed3 is light, predictable and would be as comfortable at the track as it is on the street.

Adam Reid is a Winnipeg-based automobile journalist and associate member of the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada.