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| Mazda ups the ante with better handling and a more upscale interior for its 2010 'Speed3. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
When Mazda introduced the 'Speed version of its much-lauded 3 in late 2006 as an '07 model, it really wasn't up against much in the ultra-hot hatch category. Certainly the five-door wagon version of Subaru's WRX would have to get the mention, although with 230hp and 235 lb-ft of torque it didn't quite match the Mazdaspeed3's output of 263hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder. Just the same the Subie offered all-wheel drive to even that torque out while the 'Speed3 was a bit unwieldy with all that grunt going through the front wheels. No, the natural predator to the 'Speed3 was Dodge's Caliber SRT4 that landed around the same time, a five-door as well and loaded to the gills with every option Chryco could throw at it, including a 285hp 2.4L turbocharged four with 265 lb-ft of torque. It was an even wilder beast than the Mazdaspeed3, itself a handful with one of the more rigid off the shelf suspension setups anywhere.
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| Fabulous handling no matter the weather, the new Mazdaspeed3 is much improved. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Fast forward three years and the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is upon us making the same substantial power from the identical MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo four-cylinder as its predecessor, yet the field of competitors has widened substantially. A new Golf GTI is much better and therefore it's comparatively modest 207hp allows it to compete with the much faster Mazda in spirit, at least, whereas an all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart delivers one of the world's most sophisticated all-wheel drive systems together with what might be the best paddle-shift actuated double-clutch sequential manual-automatic in the business for fractions more than the 'Speed3, while a new WRX is much better and the Caliber SRT4 is still available. And I haven't even mentioned new competitors at the bottom end of the premium segment or hot compacts that don't have hatches. But Mazda hasn't exactly been sitting on its heels.
