As for fuel consumption, it's not great but we have to expect that, with our thirst for speed and the engine's thirst for super unleaded; 13.2 L/100 km is my personal average.

Obviously, the rest of the mechanicals have been upgraded compared to the 3 Sport GT. The brakes are more powerful, the shocks and springs are firmer, and the stabilizer bars are bigger. The ride is harsher, of course, and not always pleasant; if I would be driving this car every day, I'd grow tired of it.

The Mazdaspeed3 comes in four colors only.

Subtle aerodynamic add-ons
One must have a sharp eye to see the difference between a 3 Sport GT and a MAZDASPEED3 on the road. You can always rely on the exclusive 18-inch alloys (the GT rides on 17 inchers) and the bigger rear spoiler. However, the MSP3 also gets a fatter hood and front fenders, as well as black trim on the rear bumper and a larger-diameter exhaust pipe.

With the number of Mazda3s on the road, the MAZDASPEED3 is rather discreet, which is a good or a bad thing, depending on your degree of desire to gather attention.

Not a luxurious interior
The fabric seats (no leather, thank god) are very supportive and perfect for sporty driving. But beside some exclusive MSP3 interior trim, the cockpit looks more or less like the one in plebeian Mazda3s. The basic stuff is there, no frills.

Access to the rear seat is problematic, since there is not much room to get your feet in and out. And those who think this car can replace a good ol' station wagon might be disappointed with the cargo space, like my buddy was when he became a family man and could barely fit a stroller, portable playpen and diaper bag back there.

In the USA, you can buy this model with a navigation system, something you can't have in the Canadian model. Ironically, as we have a lower budget to spend on a vehicle here, Mazda only offers us the fully-equipped version, as Americans can purchase a stripper model for less money. Would you sacrifice xenon headlights, the 6-CD changer and rain-sensing wipers in order to save about $2,000? I would.

The interior lacks a bit of imagination for my taste.