Just in case I ever forgot what kind of car I was driving in, I could either have looked at the gear shift knob, drilled aluminum foot pedals, oval exhaust tip (that one might be hard while I'm driving), or floor mats, because all features listed above had the "MazdaSpeed" logo imprinted on them. These are new features for the 2003.5 model since the 2003 Speed had a Sparco gear shift knob and foot pedals. The front bucket seats dressed in charcoal sport cloth and yellow stitching have exceptional lumbar support. They're cool and comfortable.

The ample interior of the 2003.5 model has been spruced up and adorned with "MazdaSpeed" logos. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Visibility wise, the 2003.5 has a good visual range. The C-pillars in the rear are a little wide, so backing up and parallel parking take an extra peek. There is ample headroom and generous legroom front and rear. Taller individuals shouldn't really have any discomfort issues (I know my 6'4" boyfriend didn't).

I was blown away by the Speed's sound system, the quality of the 7 speaker system with its 450-watt amplifier powering the trunk mounted 8" subwoofer is amazing. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

For me the icing on the Speed's cake is its audio system. Wow, talk about sound quality with a capital Q. Mazda teamed up with Kenwood to create one sensational state-of-the-art package, incorporating an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, 7 speakers, plus a 450-watt amplifier powering the trunk mounted 8" subwoofer. I was blown away. Not being a conventional system, it took a little time for me to familiarize myself with its various functions. Yes, it still works when a CD is inserted, but in order to maximize sound quality it needs to be tweaked. I found it worthwhile to read the manual because the CD player can be fussy at times, no complaints mind you. Ideally, the system is designed for music featuring heavy bass - dance, hip-hop, etc. When I put my mom's Celine Dion CD in, it didn't sound as premium as the groovin' music I inserted. Nevertheless, the system literally rocks.