Mazdaspeed3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mazdaspeed3 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Production | 2006-present |
| Class | Sport compact |
| Body style(s) | Hatchback/wagon |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed manual |
| 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 will be sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. Pricing is to start at US$ 22,835 (including destination) and it is designed to compete with the latest generation of hot hatches, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, and the new Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI.
The 3 features the same turbocharged 2.3-litre DISI MZR engine from the Mazda6 MPS/Mazdaspeed 6. In this application, it produces 263 hp (196 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) when running on 91 octane gasoline ((R+M)/2). This is routed through the front wheels rather than a four-wheel drive system as on its big brother. 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 230 horsepower (170 kW). 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 with 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 going 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 10 best list for 2007 and 2008.
