The Mazdaspeed 3 GT is a cute little hatchback that looks like the perfect "sweet 16" set of wheels. Don't be fooled. This is a powerful, grown-up car that requires an experienced driver. Zoom zoom, indeed.
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Photo by Mazda
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Mazdaspeed 3 GT
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ABOUT THE MAZDASPEED 3 GT:
Body style:
Four-door hatchback
Trim lines:
Sport, Grand Touring
Price:
MSRP $23,995, tester had $1,750 navigation system
Drive:
Front wheel
Seating:
Two in front, three in rear
Engine:
2.3-liter turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder
Transmission:
Six-speed manual
Miles per gallon of fuel:
20 city/28 highway
WHAT'S SPECIAL:
This is a wolf-in-sheep's-clothing sort of sports car whose performance belies its look. There is plenty of power, to be sure, but the track-tuned suspension with performance shocks and beefy stabilizer bars means the driver has control of that power. The car also rides a bit lower than the standard Mazda 3, further reducing roll.
WHAT WE LIKE:
At first glance, the Mazdaspeed 3 looks like a commuter car, but design clues suggest otherwise: brushed aluminum pedals and a fluorescent orange instrument panel with speedometer topping out at 160 mph.
WHAT ISN'T THERE:
Automatic transmission. You get a crisp, six-speed manual transmission. Period. But that is as it should be; this is a sports car after all. Fuel economy is just OK, partly because jack-rabbit starts are hard to resist.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW:
Because so much power is going to the front wheels to direct the car, there is a little bit of torque steer. A powertrain control module regulates power spikes in lower gears. The system also notes steering angle, limiting power when the front wheels are turned. It isn't much of an issue after driving for a couple of days and getting the feel of things.
EXTRAS:
Precious few options are available with the Mazdaspeed 3 because the base car comes with about all you need: Bose audio system with seven speakers and a six-disc CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, iPod jack, automatic lights, automatic climate control and side-impact air bags. You can spend more for a navigation system and Sirius Satellite Radio.
AND ANOTHER THING:
There is 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold down the seats, and you have more than 43 cubic feet.
