Mazda's sporty little hatchback, the Mazdaspeed3, has been completely redesigned for the 2010 model year. The previous version was already quite good. The current car is even more irresistible.
At first glance you may not appreciate the 2010 MS3's all-new "happy" face. I didn't have a problem with it, though, and I certainly didn't have a problem with the rest of the car.
There isn't anything in this price range (starting price is $23,195) that delivers as much fun as the Mazdaspeed3. When talking about "best bang for the buck," the MS3 is at the top of the list.
Under the hood of the 2010 MS3 is a powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine that pounds out 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
Virtually unchanged for 2010, the engine features a direct fuel injection system that sprays the fuel directly into the combustion chamber. This helps improve performance and fuel economy.
Mated to the MS3's stout power plant is a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. The transmission has been reworked for 2010 with taller gear ratios for gears two through five, making better use of the engine's abundant torque.
The MS3's short-throw shifter was much to my liking and so was the slightly stiff clutch. The only negative is a sore left leg when driving in rush-hour traffic.
Some have complained about missing or clashing gears when driving the MS3, but I never had a problem.
Jumping on the gas pedal of a front-wheel-drive sports car with the wheel turned typically results in a fair amount of torque steer. Mazda has addressed that issue with the all-new 2010 MS3. Now there's noticeably less torque steer than expected, and I would classify it as being tolerable and easy to deal with. It won't rip the wheel from your hands.
Acceleration from a dead stop is exceptionally good with very little turbo lag. And if you want to pass, just drop a gear and the four-banger power comes in quickly.
Another likable attribute is the MS3's reworked suspension system. The previous MS3 would become a bit unsettled when driving over bumpy pavement. That's not the case with the 2010 model.
While the 2010 MS3 remains nicely taut and level when taking corners, it doesn't seem to be as challenging to control when rolling over choppy pavement.
Also, the steering wheel feels very precise and crisp with excellent feedback. The 2010 MS3 behaves as if it were on rails when negotiating twisty country roads.
I spent a fair amount of time trying various country roads during the week I tested the 2010 MS3, and I found myself grinning from ear to ear all week. Unfortunately, the week came to an end and the MS3 was sorely missed.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the MS3's cabin, too. I like the styling and the supportive, yet comfortable seats. Tall drivers like me will find plenty of room for operating this car. There's enough room in back, too, for a couple adults. And the hatchback makes it convenient and versatile for hauling larger items when called upon.
The 2010 MS3 is loaded with technology, and an available Mazdaspeed tech package ($1,895) is a bargain. It adds a 242-watt 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system, in-dash six-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio (with six-month subscription), built-in navigation system, alarm and advanced keyless system including push-button starting.
That package was the only add-on in my tester, and the total price came to just $25,840. That's tough to beat. If I were a few years younger, there'd probably be a MS3 in my driveway. Heck I'm still young enough to enjoy the MS3. I'll race you to the nearest Mazda dealer - zoom, zoom!
2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed 3
ENGINE: 263-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4
TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual
DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 18 city/25 highway
BASE PRICE: $23,195
AS TESTED: $25,840 (including $750 for destination)
WEB SITE: www.MazdaUSA.com