Hot Hatch: 2010 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

Nobody should question the fact that Volkswagen introduced the hot hatch segment with the Golf GTI, but over the years, Mazda has managed to perfect this recipe and dominate the segment. Following the introduction of the all-new Mazda MAZDA3 sedan and hatchback, the company has predictably introduced the latest version of its hot hatch, the 2010 Mazda MAZDASPEED3, at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The heart of the MS3 might be the turbocharged engine, but Mazda also wanted to improve the car’s look and driving dynamic on the new car. When the 263-horsepower MAZDASPEED3 goes on sale later this year with a starting MSRP of $23,685, it will offer a package that isn’t short on power or value. The new MAZDASPEED3 isn’t short on turbocharged competition either with high-dollar vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STI or low-budget tuners such as the Chevrolet Cobalt SS and Dodge Caliber SRT4 all currently on the market.

Like any performance car, the most important aspect of the 2010 MAZDASPEED3 is what’s under the hood. Despite its all-new look, the MS3’s engine is just a carryover from its predecessor. The 2.3-liter direct-inject inline-4 puts out 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque thanks to a single-scroll turbocharger. The only transmission available to send power to the front wheels is a six-speed manual gearbox with a wider gear ratio setting designed to take full advantage of the engine’s wide torque band. Peak torque is achieved at just 3,000 rpm and the engine redline is 6,700 rpm. Fuel efficiency may not be a major concern for those in the market for a hot hatch, but the rev-happy MAZDASPEED3 gets decent EPA fuel economy estimates of 18 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway – better than the Evo and STI, but slightly lower than the SRT4 the best in class Cobalt SS.

The engine may be the most important aspect defining a hot hatch, but the car also must be able to handle itself well when needed. Compared to the base MAZDA3 hatchback, the 2010 MS3 offers an exclusive sport-tuned suspension that includes stiffer coil spring rates, larger diameter stabilizer bars multiple chassis reinforcements to provide nimble handling in sharp corners. The front brake rotors have been enlarged to 12.6 inches (from 11.8 inches) to provide quicker and safer braking. Even the tires on the new MS3 were specially developed to maximize performance – the Dunlop 225/40R18 tires are wider than the current model and offer improved sidewall rigidity for better grip during hard cornering maneuvers. In the end, the 3.245 pound 2010 MAZDASPEED3 can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in less than six seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

While the engine in the new MAZDASPEED3 is a carryover, the car itself was redesigned to offer improved aerodynamics, a sportier look and stance as well as an improved interior. Other than a more aggressive lower body kit, the design of the new 3 lent itself well to the performance version including the widely flared front fenders and the smooth, swept-back roofline. Up front, a redesigned fascia manages to tone down the 3’s smiley lower grille, but the biggest change for the turbocharged model is the gaping hood scoop seemingly inspired by the WRX STI. The functional air inlet force feeds fresh air to the engine’s top-mounted intercooler. From the rear perspective, the MAZDASPEED3 retains the blacked out rear fascia of the current offering, but adds chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets and a much larger spoiler at the top of the hatch. Finishing off its sporty looks, the new Speed3 gets a set of 18-inch alloy wheels with a unique V-design borrowed from the Mazda RX-8 sport coupe.

To handle the rigors that the front seat passengers will be subjected to during spirited driving, the MAZDASPEED3 offers “semi-bucket” seats with improved torso and thigh support. To sport up the interior a little, Mazda added a red graphic design to the seats and trim panels and added a contrasting red stitching to the black leather surfaces of the steering wheel, seats, door panels and center console. Exclusive to the turbocharged engine, the Speed3’s instrument cluster gets a digital boost pressure gauge mounted between the oversized tachometer and speedometer.