2013 MazdaSpeed3
Heels on Wheels Review

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLE The MazdaSpeed3 is the sportier version of the five-door hatchback, combining aggressive looks and performance with the sensibility of a compact car. SKYACTIV engine technology is the impetus behind the ride, displaying road pizzazz under command of a 263-horsepower 2.3-liter direct-injection spark ignition turbo engine.

I drove a 2012 MazdaSpeed3 with the standard 263-horspoewer 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. Available in just the Touring trim, my test drive came with the following standard features: unique cloth and leather upholstery; leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls; leather-wrapped shift knob; six-speaker audio system with auxiliary input jacks; and Bluetooth connectivity; two-toned roof spoiler; eighteen-inch painted alloy wheels. Total price came to $27,150.

The MazdaSpeed3 is for the compact driver more serious about performance at a not-so-serious price. Other hot-hatch competitors range from the Hyundai Veloster and the Lexus CT200h, to the Ford Focus ST and new Subaru BRZ. Tamer five- and four-door versions of the Mazda3 are available.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: The MazdaSpeed3’s contrast red stitching is a nice interior touch, setting a sporty vibe throughout the cabin. It’s an appropriately snug fit. A sunroof would have been a welcomed option. Additional equipment for my test drive included the MazdaSpeed Tech Package, which for $2,485 added a blind spot monitoring system, a touchscreen navigation display, HD Radio and Pandora, an SMS text message function, push-button start, bi-xenon headlights and an adaptive front headlights system – overall, a generous dollop of popular convenience technology. Buyers might prefer some of these as stand-alone options, however. Rear visibility is excellent, so no need for the upgraded backup camera here.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Both the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan are Top Safety Picks with The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The hatchback earned a 4-star rating with The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); side crash results still don’t fair as well as frontal or rollover. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, traction control, and front-side impact air bags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Cost Issues: Based price with no options for the MazdaSpeed3 starts at $24,200. The Mazda3 five-door with a smaller 155-horspower 2-liter four-cylinder (still with SKYACTIV technology) starts at $20,000. The ride behind the 2013 Hyundai Veloster might not be as dynamic under the -horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection engine and offers just about the same interior attributes at a starting price of $21,950.

Activity & Performance Ability: The direct-injection spark ignition turbo engine delivers extremely responsive acceleration with the six-speed manual turning the fun up a notch. It is applaud-worthy engineering with 280 pound-feet of torque jolting to the front wheels in quick fashion. Tight handling at the corners will help keep any wild driving style in tack.

The Green Concern: Such quick turbo performance has a price, as gas economy isn’t the MazdaSpeed3’s strength at 18 miles-per-gallon city and 25 highway for a combined 21. If you want better gas stats, consider the smaller 2-liter engine’s 38 miles-per-gallon highway estimate.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
The 2013 MazdaSpeed3 is a competitive in more ways than one – first, with high-performing SKYACTIV turbo technology; and second, with a decently outfitted interior at a low starting cost of just $20k. Bored commuters should step up into this hot-hatch if seeking something sportier.

©2012 Katrina Ramser