2010 Mazdaspeed3
Revamped Mazdaspeed3 Better Than Ever
The Mazdaspeed3 is the pocket-rocket version of the Mazda3. It offers a pleasing combination of sports car performance, and hatchback practicality. The first generation “MS3” was a big hit, and now for 2010, Mazda has redesigned this speedy hatch, and improved it in almost every way.
The Speed uses the same 5-door hatch body as the Mazda 3, (there’s no sedan version) but it looks even more aggressive. The most obvious enhancements are the liftgate spoiler and a sculpted grille that eliminates the gaping-mouth look of the Mazda3, but there is also lower-body molding, a hood scoop for the turbo engine and 18inch wheels that add pizzazz.
The interior is fancier too. It features a charcoal gray and red motif. The sport seats are finished in dark gray leather with muted red cloth inserts. The large twin gauges in front of the driver are illuminated in red, and there’s red and gray trim on the dash and doors.
Controls on the MS3 are well positioned for the driver. The center panel on the dash is within easy reach for operating the audio and air conditioning. Buttons for the optional navigation system are mounted on the steering wheel, which is a bit unusual, however they function well. The screen for the nav is miniscule, but it’s mounted in a recessed bin near the windshield, and can be viewed without taking your eyes off the road.
Passenger accommodations are about the same as they were last year. Those up front have well-contoured seats, and drivers, short and tall, should find a comfortable position. Legroom in the rear is skimpy, but okay for small kids. The cargo area is a good size at 17.1 cu.-ft., and can be expanded to 42.8 cu-ft. with the rear seats folded down.
The powertrain carries over for 2010, but there is nothing wrong with that. The turbocharged 4-cylinder still pumps out a hefty 263 hp. and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission (no optional automatic) with revised gear ratios, takes better advantage of the engine’s torque. The Mazdaspeed3 bolts away from traffic lights with a lot of verve. You’ll still feel some torque-steer pull on the steering wheel when you stomp on the gas, but it is less a bother now. Acceleration is as quick as ever— 0-60 in 5.6 seconds.
Like its predecessor, the 2010 MS3 likes a twisty road. The new electric steering conveys a good feel of the road. The well-tuned sport suspension makes you forget that you are driving a front-wheel-drive car. This speedy hatch feels very fluid in transitioning from turn to turn, and its wide 18-inch performance tires provide plenty of grip.
Mazda improved the ride quality in the revised Mazdaspeed3, but it is still quite stiff. In fact, the ride can be really bumpy over deteriorating city streets, however, once you get on a highway, it smoothes out very nicely.
In addition to its performance and its practicality, the Mazdaspeed3 also features a reasonable price. The base car has an MSRP of just $23,945. That includes keyless entry, automatic climate control, a six-speaker stereo and Bluetooth connectivity. If you opt for the $1805 Tech package, you’ll also get push-button ignition, a 10-speaker Bose system, satellite radio and the aforementioned navigation unit. My test car with the Tech package had a bottom line of $25,840.
Snapshot Review:
Lots of Power
Great Handling
Stiff Ride
Low Price
