2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed 3

The MazdaSpeed 3 is currently the fastest Mazda in production for the US market, thanks to its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot that produces 263 horsepower. It's a compact little thing with all-out sporty styling that enables it to look the part, but what matters is how it actually performs. The excellent news is that it will make good on the promise of its looks, offering an undeniably entertaining driving experience. Adding to the positives, it does not cost an arm and a leg. Of course, it goes up against competitors like the Ford Focus ST and the Subaru WRX that ramp up the heat of the competition considerably. Can the MazdaSpeed 3 hatchback come out on top?

Aside from the addition of an all-new technology package, the new MazdaSpeed3 has remained mostly the same for the last few years. It is 177.6 inches in length and has a 69.7-inch width. These compact dimensions means that its overall weight is pretty low, too. The sporty hatch is inarguably hard to miss, with the hood scoop and spoiler rather obviously announcing the Mazda's performance image. The former does have a genuine purpose, though, eagerly cramming thicker, colder air into the turbocharger. The front end is home to a set of sharply styled halogen headlights with fog lights beneath them, and a similar trend follows in the rear where things get even more interesting. A large spoiler and dual-exhaust outlets give the rear an aggressive look. The final product sits on a set of 18-inch wheels. Other bits like the spoiler and side mirrors are coated in a gloss black color to finish off the exterior look.

The MazdaSpeed 3 makes a strong statement about its sport focus right off the bat with a six-speed manual transmission being the only available configuration to row the gears. Sending power to the box is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It is on par with the WRX's 265 horses and is slightly more powerful than the Focus ST's 252-hp figure. Going from 0 to 60 mph will take around six and a half seconds according to independent testing, which is rather impressive when you consider that it is quicker than the average auto in this segment. It is also capable of reaching a top speed of 155 mph.

As important as power outputs are, they are rendered rather useless without the means to put it down. The MazdaSpeed 3 suffers the same fate as most high-powered front-wheel-drive cars - torque steer. The moment that torque curve is at its highest, you'll feel the steering wheel channel Fleetwood Mac and go its own way. This does not mean that it is hard to drive, but you should ensure that your guard is kept up when you're flooring it. The standard limited-slip differential helps matters, but still, be careful. That being said, an impressive amount of power can easily be accessed at any point and the steering wheel is excellently weighted. The wheel is also responsive and direct enough to inspire confidence. As expected for most sporty hatchbacks, the ride is a little on the firm side, but it is almost never truly punishing. Overall, it is no wonder the MazdaSpeed 3's reviews are all praise. It is truly a joy to drive and deserves a test drive, or three, before you reach a final decision.

Mazda's sportiest hatchback actually does pretty well at offering decent gas mileage figures. It returns EPA estimates of 18/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined, a significant improvement over the WRX's 17/23/19 mpg figures. With the 15.9-gallon fuel tank at full capacity, the MazdaSpeed3 allows for 334 miles of total range.

Setting the MazdaSpeed3 apart from the regular Mazda 3, sporty front seats clad in leather and performance gauges are included. Still, the interior of the Mazda feels a little cut-rate in comparison to, say, the Golf GTI, but it is an improvement over the WRX. The dash is filled with knobs that give it a keen resemblance to the inside of a spaceship, which will be hit for some and a miss for others. Personally, we think it could have been a bit more simple, but it is not downright horrid.

One thing that it does right is space, offering an ample amount both in the front and the rear. Cargo volumes are practical, too, with 17 cubic feet of room for holiday luggage behind the second row. Folding the back seats frees up 42.8 cubes for larger items. Overall, the inside is comfortable and spacious but lacks the premium quality boasted by the competition.

Respectably stocked with features, the base model MazdaSpeed3 comes with remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescopic multifunction leather-clad steering wheel, cruise control, and air conditioning. As for instrumentation, a small monochromatic screen enables Bluetooth streaming, AM/FM radio, and MP3 playback. An AUX input is also standard along with a 10-speaker Bose sound system. Safety features are inclusive of dynamic stability control with a traction control system, and blind-spot monitoring is optionally available. While the MazdaSpeed3 hasn't been given an official rating by the IIHS, the regular Mazda 3 earned a Top Safety Pick award. Reviews from authorities indicate that it is among the safest in the segment.

It is a tough job trying to be the USA's best performance hatchback within this MSRP range, but the MazdaSpeed3 makes a valiant effort. It is feisty, economical, and a whole lot of fun to drive. Still, with a base MSRP of just under $30,000, it needs to work that much harder. Notably, the MazdaSpeed3's price at entry-level is not the one you should be considering. A more reliable base price to keep in mind would be $33,00 with the much needed Technology Package added on to the spec.