With 280 lb.-ft. of torque, performance is an exercise in excess. The Speed's got masses of power everywhere, and after just a quick period of turbo lag it sets off ripping pavement to shreds. Traction in first and second gear is such that the tires fight to stay planted. Full throttle romps will see your head pressed into the seat, a grin ear to ear, and the steering wheel

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

violently trying to escape your grip should either front wheel encounter any anomaly on the roads surface. The torque steer really is class-leading- the Mazdaspeed3 could arm-wrestle Chuck Norris through the steering wheel and win.

There is a trick LSD up front though, and the turbo output is limited in the first few gears to keep your rubber intact. All the juice is routed through a six speed manual gearbox with a heavy and demanding clutch and long, rubbery shifter mechanism. It's not typical Mazda fare, though its decent once you get used to it.

Rounding out the performance is a stiffened and lowered suspension providing crisp handling and enhanced road-feel. The big wheels get a little noisy over rough roads, although overall handling is favorable. Despite the constant threat of wheelspin, the Speed3 behaves well in hard cornering, taking a set quickly and hanging on for dear life. A stability control system keeps a watchful eye on overenthusiastic drivers.

So, will the Speed3 have Honda, Chevrolet and VW owners scrambling to buy a "FOR SALE" sign?

Maybe so, maybe no.

(Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

On one hand, the Speed comes with truckloads more power than any of its ringmates. It's got more features, more space and makes more sense if you regularly travel with more than one person or like to ski, mountain bike or surf.

On the other hand, it's a bit of a hybrid performance car. True devotees will see the number of doors, tall stance or wagon-like configuration- and some will be turned away. To many, a true performance car has no business carrying a large backseat, two sets of doors or a big trunk.

Still, you'll likely interpret the new standard in cheap speed as a real value leader, offering both power and speed unmatched for the price with a package sensible enough that your wife may never know its got a great big turbo.

Whats Hot: Masses of power, plenty of grip, versatile storage space, utility, lots of headroom

Concerns: front knee room, mediocre sounding exhaust note, lanky shifter, demanding clutch, no fun in bad weather


For more details concerning this vehicle, please refer to the technical specifications and to the standard features list.

If you wish to test-drive or receive a price quotation for this vehicle, you only have to perform a retailer / dealer search in your region.

(Photo: Mazda)