Competitors
Mazda is throwing the Mazdaspeed 3 up against any sport compact, but the truest competitors that share a five-door hatchback design include the Audi A3, the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, the redesigned Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI, and the Volkswagen GTI. If Dodge ever gets around to actually producing the promised Caliber SRT-4, and if Chevy actually builds the rumored HHR SS, those cars will be direct competitors, too. Others with four entry portals but a trunk instead of a hatch include the Honda Civic Si, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. If you need a hatch but can live without the rear doors, Mini sells a terrific little Cooper S turbo, Scion will add a supercharger to your tC, and Volvo has a turbocharged version of its snazzy C30.

Second Opinion
Maybe if I spent every weekend at the track, the Mazdaspeed 3 would be more appealing. But since I don’t, it’s not. That being said, I’m in love with the tight steering, extremely stable and firm chassis, whiplashing brakes, and turbocharged engine that makes a transition from 60 to 100 mph with unbelievable ease. There’s simply no denying the Mazdaspeed 3’s capabilities, made all the more spectacular given our tester’s $26,000 sticker price.

But that brings up my first gripe, which involves the rumor that at least some Mazda dealers are inflating prices to about $30,000. Mazda’s attempting to bring more buyers into the fold and increase sales across its lineup – gouging folks isn’t going to help in that effort. Gripe number two has to do with the nature of the 3’s turbo – according to my experience, it kicks in at about 2,300 rpm, at which point the revs climb at supersonic speeds and you’re up at about 6,500 rpm, banging against the rev limiter before you know it. Kinda takes some of the fun out of planting your right foot at a green light. Which brings us to what other reviewers are considering gripe three, torque-steer. Sure, it’s there, but it’s hardly unmanageable, and is in fact remarkably constrained given that you’ve got 263 horses using only the front tires for traction.

Instead, gripe three goes to the confusing message this car sends. On one hand, it’s a spacious people and cargo hauler, suggesting the Mazdaspeed 3 would be a suitable commuter or road trip car. On the other hand, its loud and stiff ride, restrictive bucket seats (including an uncomfortable internal lateral brace for the driver’s back), and aggressive turbocharged demeanor make it a poor choice for Monday-Friday duty.

On second thought, maybe my 33 years are showing. In any case, I’d take the immensely more livable VW GTI in a heartbeat. – Thom Blackett

Second Opinion
For a long time I used to write exclusively about the “sport compact” phenomenon, and cars like this were the segment’s bread and butter. After several years, I really started to agree with those that said the whole idea of hopping up little four-banger cars was kind of stupid when you think about it. I mean, sure, the Mazdaspeed 3 is fast, looks great, has lots of power, is a hoot to drive, can blow the doors off cars costing thousands of dollars more, still gets decent gas mileage, and is so involving that even the torque steer just adds to the fun. The fact that it’s not very expensive is also a big part of the equation. But, c’mon, it’s just a Mazda 3 with a powerful engine, right? So it still has that car’s sensible packaging, precise fit and finish, useful cargo space and nicely laid out interior. That interior is enhanced with the sport seats and precise short throw shifter the come with the Mazdaspeed package, sure, and they let you concentrate on the handling, which totally rocks while still managing acceptable ride quality. It all adds up to a car that’s nearly impossible for an enthusiast to dislike. So, yeah, I’m glad that I left all that behind…um…I mean, cars like this are pretty silly when…uh….

What was I talking about again? – Keith Buglewicz

Photos courtesy of: Mazda