Mazdaspeed3
From Ford Wiki
 | |
| Automotive industry | Mazda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2007-present |
| Car classification | Sport compact |
| Car body style | Hatchback/Station wagon |
| Automobile layout | FF layout |
| Transmission (mechanics) | 6-speed Manual transmission |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm (103.9 in) |
| Length | 4485 mm (176.6 in) |
| Width | 1755 mm (69.1 in) |
| Height | 1465 mm (57.7 in) |
| Related | Mazda Axela Ford Focus Volvo C30 |
The Mazdaspeed3 or Mazdaspeed Axela is a Sport compact Hatchback introduced by Mazdaspeed for the 2007 model year, as a performance-enhanced version of the Mazda3. Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. Pricing starts at US$ 22,835 (including destination) and it is designed to compete with the latest generation of hot hatches, including the Dodge Caliber, and the new Volkswagen Golf.
The Mazdaspeed3 features the same turbocharged 2.3-litre Mazda MZR engine engine from the MAZDASPEED6. In this application, it produces 263 hp (196 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) when running on 93 octane gasoline ((R+M)/2). This is routed through the front wheels rather than the complex All-wheel drive system found on its big brother (Mazdaspeed6). The Australian market receives the Mazda3 MPS with the same engine as the Mazda6 MPS with 190 kW (255 hp) of power. The engine was listed in the Ward's 10 Best Engines for three years straight.[1]
A GKN Limited slip differential is standard, along with a six-speed manual transmission, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control. No automatic transmission option is offered. To limit wheelslip, boost in the first gear will be limited to produce a maximum of 230hp (172kW). Boost is also limited in second gear. The amount of boost reduction is determined by the gear selection and steering angle. There is no reduction of boost in gears above second.
It uses the five-door Hatchback body of the Mazda3 Sport, though it has extra structural bracing. Volvo-sourced 12.6 in (320 mm) front and 11.0 in (280 mm) rear brake discs hide under 18 in (457 mm) wheels.
Critical reception has been generally very positive, with automotive writers praising the car's balance of good performance and low cost. The review by Edmunds.com compared the vehicle favorably to some more expensive rivals, saying "It's a lot of machine for the money and it offers the same balance of speed, practicality and value we've found previously only in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI."
Several road tests have the Mazdaspeed3 attaining 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds with Skidpad numbers in the .87 to .91 range. In Car and Driver magazine's May 2007 issue, the Mazdaspeed3 recorded its quickest acceleration times, completing the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.4 seconds, with a Quarter mile time of 14 second flat at 101 mph (163 km/h). Car and Driver also put the Mazdaspeed3 on their Car and Driver Ten Best for 2007 and 2008.
References
External links
- Review in AutoWeek
- Review in Car and Driver
- Review in Motor Trend
- Review in Road and Track
- about.com review
- UK Mazda3 Owners Forum
- Mazda MPS owners forum
