2008 MazdaSpeed 3

Based upon the Mazda3 Sport hatchback, the MAZDASPEED3 gives sports-minded consumers a double dose of Zoom-Zoom. With its compact, lightweight body and maximum power of 263 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm, the MAZDASPEED3 is one of the highest performance sports compacts with front-wheel-drive on the road today.

To endorse the performance of this powerful engine, the MAZDASPEED3 MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine made Ward’s top 10 Best Engine award list for 2007. This is zoom-zoom at it’s best!

MAZDASPEED3 dramatically reinforces the acclaimed dynamics of the original Mazda3 and delivers maximum driving pleasure through outstanding performance and a superior chassis. To create this new benchmark, Mazda looked to embody the following three requirements:

• Driving Fun: Formidable performance from the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine, along with sharply responsive handling achieved by capitalizing on the characteristics of the compact, lightweight body.
  
• Ownership Delight: Exterior styling that gives an immediate impression of driving fun, and an interior with a quality feel that exceeds expectations.
  
• Everyday, User Friendly Convenience: An exceptional balance of driving pleasure with everyday functionality and comfort.

As a result, the flagship of the Mazda3 range features a stylishly sophisticated look combined with performance levels that make it one of the fastest sports compacts with a FWD layout. MAZDASPEED3 offers truly exhilarating acceleration from a standing start, superior passing acceleration in the practical speed range and one of the highest top speeds in its class.

Exterior

MAZDASPEED3 styling pursues a look of strength and solidity in a design that conveys the car's unmatched dynamic performance at a glance. Its form is characterized by boldly flared front fenders, and effective use of strong edges on the hood and other elements. These combine with the functional forms of the bumpers, spoilers and other parts developed for outstanding aerodynamic performance, to make a radical Zoom-Zoom statement in a front-wheel drive sports compact.

Overall, MAZDASPEED3’s design is sporty and strong, befitting a high-performance model, without exaggerated styling cues. Instead, the focus is on creating a refined presence.

Interior

A high quality black sets the tone of the interior, accented by red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and the six-speed manual transmission shift knob to create a sporty yet refined ambience – the hallmark of a MAZDASPEED model.

The instrument panel includes a matte black decorative insert panel finished with a hairline treatment to underscore the vehicle’s aggressively modern personality. A leather wrapped shift knob, aluminium pedals and stainless steel scuff plates further contribute to the sporty, high quality ambience that distinguishes MAZDASPEED models, while semi bucket front seats provide firm support to match the uniquely sporty performance of the MAZDASPEED3. The front seats bear the MAZDASPEED logo on the seatbacks, a casual reminder that this is the highest performance model in the Mazda3 line up.

Performance

Under the hood of the MAZDASPEED3 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection gasoline engine that powers the highly regarded CX-7. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda’s MZR 2.3 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbo-charged engine produces 263 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm in the MAZDASPEED3.

This not only makes MAZDASPEED3 one of the most powerful and responsive compact sports models with FWD, it combines this with a stiffer body shell and a suspension with a significant improvement in roll stiffness versus the current Mazda3 for superior Zoom-Zoom handling attributes.