The base price of the regular Mazda3 is $14,490. So why is this Mazda3 test car worth $10,000 more?
It’s because this is the Mazdaspeed3, with a 263 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual transmission, and a lot of other features you seldom find on an economy car. And not only is the list price almost $25,000 — which makes “economy car” seem pretty irrelevant here — some dealers are getting list price and above, because Mazda hasn’t been able to keep up with demand.
Mazdaspeed is the company’s performance sub-brand, and other products include the larger Mazdaspeed6, which has not been nearly the success the MazdaSpeed3 is — there’s actually a $1,000 rebate on the Mazdaspeed6. As mentioned, no such deal on the Mazdaspeed3, due in part to the fact that there aren’t many like it. The Honda Civic Si, for example, is a wonderful car, but its 197 horsepower may not be enough for dedicated performance customers.
There are two versions of the Mazdaspeed3: The Grand Touring, tested here, and the Sport, which is about $1,500 less, lacking a few nonessentials such as leather-trimmed front bucket seats, the Bose seven-speaker stereo and a trip computer.
Outside and inside, the Mazdaspeed3 looks similar to lesser Mazda3 versions, but the test car had a long list of features such as big P215/45R-18 tires and wheels, xenon headlights, a Bose sound system, stability control, a stiffer suspension, traction control and some exterior add-ons, such as the rear spoiler. The tester had only one option: Sirius satellite radio, for $595. Mazda also offers an optional DVD-based navigation system, unusual for a car in this size and price range. Click every option box on the Grand Touring, and you’re up to a heady $27,323.
On the road, the Mazda- speed3 is plenty fast, but it’s also capable of calm, composed around-town duty. The interior is nicely appointed and very comfortable, with supportive front bucket seats and well-placed instruments and controls.
Acceleration from a standing stop is typically turbolike: Power comes on with a rush, and there’s a little torque steer, which is the tendency for front-wheel-drive cars to steer slightly left or right under hard acceleration. This engine is a gem, and the six-speed manual transmission (no automatic is offered) is a perfect match. Handling is superb despite the fact that the ride is pretty good on all but the roughest pavement.
Mazda really got this car right, but it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the price, or the unremarkable premium-fuel mileage of 20 miles per gallon in the city, 28 on the highway. After all, the Mazda3 S hatchback, with a smooth 157-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, is a lot of fun at its base price of $17,680.
But the fact that the Mazdaspeed3 is scarce at dealers suggests that a lot of customers have already made that decision.
