Nothing as yet as the car is still relatively new.
This is one seriously quick hatchback. With 190 kw and 380Nm of torque on tap in such a small car, it has enough performance to embarrass many a respected performance car. Wheels magazine, a local motoring mag, tested it on launch and managed an 80-120km/h acceleration run in third gear quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera in the same gear! The feel from inside the car is of a huge hand pushing you very firmly into the very comfortable semi-bucket sports seats every time you squeeze open the throttle. The performance on offer in third gear is something to experience (the first 2 are torque limited by the ECU etc).
I would say the most surprising aspect of this car is how they managed to reduce torque steer to such a small amount considering the amount of power and torque running through only the fronts. A torque steering pig this is not. Due to the traction and torque control, it is not the quickest thing off the mark, but once rolling, be prepared to build up speed quicker than you can imagine for a small front wheel drive hatchback. In the dry, WRXs watch out. Wheels managed a quicker time in 4th in the MPS than a WRX in third from 80-120.
Comfort inside is a mixed bag. The seats and driving position is top notch for my size (174cm) with telescopic and tilt wheel and height adjustment for the leather/cloth seat. Everything is where you would expect it to be. The ride on the other hand is very firm, but not rough. driving steadily around town it can get a little bit jiggly on rough streets, but as soon as you start opening up the throttle and using the performance, the suspension just keeps getting better by absorbing mid-corner bumps better than you could expect with such firm suspension. It is a car that begs to be given a boot-full. Also don't be surprised if you lift a wheel off the ground when driving up a driveway gutter on an angle, the body is that stiff.
Fuel economy is pretty good for the performance of the car. First fill of close to 50/50 of spirited city/country driving netted 8.8L/100km.
In summary, it is one impressive car with effortless performance and high limits, even with DSC turned off. You can drive sedately without complaint and also put a huge grin on your face when you open the throttle, especially in third. It just has a firm around town ride, but not uncomfortably so. Good one Mazda.
Hi, brand new 2007 MazdaSpeed3 here (Albany, New York, USA). 263 HP, 280 ft/lb of torque. Cosmic Blue GT, no nav system. Car is very quick, and can even launch relatively well. But that's not what its for. 40 MPH to whatever passing is just stupid. This is not a "revvy, cammy VTEC", there is power (torque) everywhere at every road and engine speed. Its like a mildly build big block (400+ cubic inch Detroit engine)...gear, speed, rolling start, doesn't matter, it just accelerates. One might even complain that it doesn't "seem" fast, until you watch the speedo during a pass and go "sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety" each second. It is a seriously fast accelerating car that just doesn't make a fuss about it.
The car? It's a Mazda 3 five door hatchback, looks like a marshmallow to me, big and puffy. Sure, its convenient, relatively roomy, even for me (6'2" and 200+ lbs). I am very traditional in vehicle looks. My second choice was a Pontiac G6 coupe with the 3.9L V6 and a 6 speed manual (and the ultra cool hammerhead spoiler on the trunk). Now That's a good looking CAR and fast too. But, fast in a normal "we are a responsible car company" way, not "we're some goofy stand alone Japanese auto manufacturer somewhat connected to Ford" way. Heavy body structure reinforcement and serious aero turning produce a rock solid car well into the triple digits.
To sum this car up, Mazda says its limited to 155MPH, but Automobile Magazine pushed one OVER 160 on the Autobahn. Speed 3.
Hello Pals.
From Sydney -Australia.
Just had my 3 MPS for 6 weeks, This is an impressing package indeed, I love it, I had no complain so far other than the fuel consumption when the car is pushed hard, I love the rush in the third gear, it is unimaginable in a small car like this, so far I had a go at STI, CLK 350, BMW M5, WRX, 147 GTA, only the M5 beat me with very small margin, but that was only after we went beyond 120 km/h, I backed off at 160 km/h.
I really believe that Mazda has done a very good job with this car and I also believe that this car will be very dangerous in the hand of young drivers in their 20s.
Cheers.
From the UK and reading up some interesting articles on the MPS just about to be introduced over here.
Been in the market browsing for a few months and after recent demos in GTI and R32 could not resist trying this car last weekend despite some mixed reviews in the press.
Anyhow needless to say I was truly impressed - the demo car was in silver and at first impressions and without additional body kit it did not strike me as garish or boy racer as other hot hatches currently populating our streets!!
I steadily drove it for a couple of miles listening to the bleeping sat nav warning me of impending speed cameras - then I finally had the opportunity to open her up - the cars response was almost instantaneous and over the next 20 minutes or so finally found a car that really brought a smile to my face!!!
Needless to say I am in the process of ordering one - just can't quite decide on the colour!!
As for me - well I am a weekend dad in my early 40's that has been waiting for a car practical, under-stated, exhilarating and different.
Anyhow - well done Mazda - changed my mind on buying the RX8 at last moment - dog will be grateful as even room for him at the back!!!
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