Likes:
- Powerful engine
- Slick-shifting manual transmission
- Outstanding acceleration
- Practical packaging
- Nimble handling without a punishing ride
Dislikes:
- Noise
- Fuel Economy
- A few interior details
Mazdas have always been a bit more fun to drive than their competition. When it comes to small cars, the Mazda3 claims to offer more nimble handling sporty nature than the Corolla or Civic. Like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the new Ford Focus ST, Mazda has a hotter version of their bread and butter car called the Mazdaspeed3. The Mazdaspeed3 was first introduced in 2007 and this 2013 model brings big improvements to the interior, in particular the entertainment and navigation system.
Driving Impressions
Following the now-traditional “hot-hatch” formula, the Mazdaspeed3 starts with the well-respected underpinnings from the Mazda3 five-door and raises the volume. This platform provides a practical front wheel drive package with four doors, interior space for up to five passengers and flexible cargo capacity. To this, they added their 2.3 Liter MZR direct injected and turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine.
This is the same engine that has been used in the Mazdaspeed3 since its introduction in 2007. It generates 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The only transmission available is a close-ratio 6-speed manual. Power is routed through a limited slip differential and a torque management system that reduces maximum output a bit in first and second gears. This helps maintain traction and keeps the car going straight down the road under heavy throttle. Some reviewers have complained about excessive torque steer. We say that the slightly reduced output in lower gears reduces this to the point of just being a slight annoyance or even a fun character trait.
All the power would be useless (or at least frightening) without improvements to the car’s chassis. Mazda is known for building cars that like to go around corners and the Mazdaspeed3 is another great example of their chassis tuning expertise. A sport tuned suspension, bigger brakes, thicker stabilizer bars and 18-inch tires and wheels (now in dark “gunmetal” finish for 2013) provide outstanding handling on curvy roads and ride that is stiffer than a standard Mazda3 but not needlessly harsh.
The interior receives standard sport seats in a combination of leather and cloth. We found these seats very supportive and the side bolsters were both firm and deep, holding us in place during spirited driving. The seats are comfortable during regular driving as well, with good thigh support and a range of adjustability.
So, those are the details, how does it drive? Well, it’s hard to keep the word “fun” out of a description of this car. Vehicles with this much performance are sometimes difficult to live with, but the Mazdaspeed3 doesn’t give up any of the practical nature of its host platform. The ride is still compliant enough for daily use, the handling is sublime in the corners, the upgraded brakes (12.6-inch front rotors, up from 10.9-inch disks on the regular Mazda3) help you stop securely, and the manual transmission has short throws with a positive mechanical engagement that feels great in use.
Of course, not every car is perfect. All of that power comes with a price at the pump. The EPA ratings for the Mazdaspeed3 are 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway using premium fuel. Around town in stop and go driving we saw the trip computer dip into the low teens. Out on the freeway we got the average up to about 24 mpg. These are not horrendous figures, but these fuel economy numbers are actually beaten by the likes of a V6 Mustang. A more direct comparison can be made to the new Ford Focus ST, which is another newer hot hatch with similar performance and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That car is rated at 23 city/32 highway.
Another issue with which we found fault was noise. Don’t get us wrong, we are big fans of internal combustion cacophony. A recent drive in a Fiat 500 Abarth had us considering purchasing the car as soon as we heard the engine start up. The issue here is that the noises one hears while driving the Mazdaspeed3 aren’t the good kinds.
At freeway speeds, one’s senses are overwhelmed by tire noise even on smooth new blacktop. Those sticky Dunlop 225 mm wide sport tires grip great in corners but certainly contribute to noise. The engine is quiet and smooth, unfortunately it doesn’t produce any aural joy… at least not any that can be heard above the roaring, crashing, and booming from the rest of the car.
Perhaps we are getting old, but this car just seems louder than it needs to be. Even the aforementioned Fiat 500 Abarth seemed quieter on the freeway with well-damped road racket. As there is certainly enough power to spare, a few more pounds invested in sound deadening materials would be more than welcome.
Interior Design and Ergonomics
With all of that noise, it’s good news that Mazda has fitted the Mazdaspeed3 with upgraded entertainment options this year. “Don’t like the noise, turn up the volume,” we say. Our car was equipped with the technology package on top of the standard Bose audio system. This $2,485 option on top of the car’s $24,995 base price (including destination) is new for 2013. It includes a new 5.8-inch color touch screen in the middle of the dash with TomTom voice-activated navigation, The package also includes Bluetooth streaming audio, integrated Pandora radio, HD radio, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive front lighting, and Sirius satellite radio among other details. There are also auxiliary and USB inputs under the center armrest.
Our iPhone integrated quickly and easily. We had Pandora streaming wirelessly within a few seconds and the touch screen controls were clear and simple to use. Common functions like volume and tuning also had redundant knobs below the screen and the HVAC controls were similarly manipulated through traditional knobs. Easier and quicker to manage while driving, we prefer these controls to having to scroll through three screens on a computer to accomplish the same simple tasks. This is particularly crucial while driving a car with such a spirited nature. Well done, Mazda.
There are a few nits we’d like to pick with the interior, but they are relatively minor. Overall, we found the interior to be well made, with pleasant soft-touch surfaces and tight tolerances.
One design element that doesn’t work so well is the arched center binnacle above the center stack. This area houses information displays for the trip computer, another for the climate controls and a smaller one for warning lights. These are rectangular displays seemingly dropped randomly into a curved area. Each screen not only uses completely different fonts for their information but also different colored lighting. They function well, but look like an afterthought. Again, these are minor points and overall, the Mazdaspeed3 has a lot of technology features arranged in a manner that is easy to use.
What Others are Saying About the Mazdaspeed3
CNET says “The 2013 Mazda Mazdaspeed3’s turbocharged engine supplies gratuitous amounts of power, while its suspension delivers a firm, sporty ride. Mazda’s new Technology Package combines excellent TomTom navigation with a full range of digital audio sources that includes Pandora Link app integration.”
The Auto Channel says “If you’re not smiling after even a short trip in a Mazdaspeed3, check your pulse. You may not have one.”
Edmunds says “While the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 continues to offer invigorating performance, sharp handling and impressive practicality at a budget price, its appeal has been diminished by recently introduced competitors.”
The Hot Hatch That Can Do It All
The Mazdaspeed3 is serious sports car in a practical package. It’s aggressive, very fast, and only asks for a few compromises in exchange for all of that performance. If one wants one car capable of providing everything from commuting comfort, luggage capacity, to track duty, a hot hatch like the Mazdaspeed3 is worth a look. This model is well built, fun, and updated technology for a reasonable price.
2013 Mazda Mazdaspeed3
- Engine: 2.3L DOHC DISI turbo 4-cylinder with VVT
- Horsepower: 263 @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain layout: FWD with limited slip differential and torque management system
- EPA Fuel Economy Estimates (mpg): 18 city / 25 hwy
- Base price: $24,200
- Options: interior lighting kit, mirror with home link and rain sensor, Tech package
- Price as tested: $27,995
See Mazda 2013 Cars & Trucks for sale on eBay.
