View source for Mazdaspeed3

{{refimprove|date=June 2010}}
{{Infobox automobile
|image        = Mazda3 MPS (BL) – Frontansicht, 22. Mai 2011, Düsseldorf.jpg
|name         = Mazdaspeed3
|manufacturer = [[Mazdaspeed]] ([[Mazda]])
|aka          = {{Plainlist|
*Mazda3 MPS
*Mazdaspeed Axela
}}
|production   = 2007–2013
|assembly     = [[Hofu]], [[Japan]] ([[Hofu (Mazda factory)|Hofu Plant]])
|class        = [[Sport compact]] [[hatchback]] ([[C-segment|C]])
|body_style   = 4-door [[hatchback]]
|layout       = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|FF layout]]
|engine       = 2.3L [[Mazda L engine#2.3L DISI Turbo (L3-VDT)|MZR L3-VDT]] petrol [[Inline-four engine|I4]] [[turbo]]
|transmission = 6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
|related      = [[Mazda3]]
}}
[[File:2009 Mazdaspeed3.jpg|thumb|2009 Mazadspeed3 Generation 1. Color code 34k, Crystal white pearl]]
The '''Mazdaspeed3''' is a [[sport compact]] [[hatchback]] introduced for the 2007 model year by [[Mazdaspeed]] and produced until 2013. The Mazdaspeed3 is a performance-enhanced version of the 5-door [[Mazda3]].

Mazda unveiled the '''Mazda3 MPS''' (Mazda Performance Series) at the 2006 [[Geneva Motor Show]] in February. The same model is sold in North America as the '''Mazdaspeed3''' and as the '''Mazdaspeed Axela''' in Japan. The vehicle is [[front-wheel drive]] and powered by a {{convert|2261|cc|L|1|order=flip}} turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine. The Mazdaspeed3 was designed prior to the latest generation of hot hatches, including the [[Dodge Caliber|Dodge Caliber SRT-4]], [[Ford Focus ST]], and the [[Volkswagen Golf|Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}} The engine produces a power output of {{convert|263|hp|0|abbr=on}} and  {{convert|280|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque. The Mazdaspeed3 also features a limited slip differential.

The Mazdaspeed3 is the company's first hot hatchback since the BG Familia GT-X of the early 1990s.
==First generation (2007–2009)==
{{Infobox automobile
|name         = First generation (BK)
|production   = 2006–2009
|image        = 2007 Mazdaspeed 3.JPG
|wheelbase    = {{convert|2640|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|length       = {{convert|4485|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|width        = {{convert|1755|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|height       = {{convert|1465|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|front_track  = {{convert|1530|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|rear_track   = {{convert|1513|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
}}

The Mazdaspeed3 features the same turbocharged 2.3-liter [[Mazda L engine#2.3L DISI Turbo (L3-VDT)|MZR L3-VDT]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]] engine from the [[Mazda6#Mazda6 MPS|Mazdaspeed Atenza]] (known as Mazdaspeed6 in North America and Mazda 6 MPS in Europe, South Africa and Australia). In this application, it produces {{convert|263|bhp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|280|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} when running on 91 octane gasoline ((R+M)/2). This is routed through the front wheels rather than the complex [[all-wheel drive]] system found on the Mazdaspeed Atenza. The Australian market receives the Mazda3 MPS with the same engine as the Mazda6 MPS with power output of {{convert|190|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}}. The engine was listed in [[Ward's 10 Best Engines]] for three years straight.<ref>[http://wardsauto.com/reports/2008/tenbest/ 2008 Ward's 10 Best Engines] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513084754/http://wardsauto.com/reports/2008/tenbest/ |date=2008-05-13 }}</ref>
[[File:2008MazdaSpeed3 CHO.jpg|thumb|left|2008 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring (USA)]]
A [[GKN]] [[limited slip differential]] is standard,<ref>{{cite web|title=2007 Mazdaspeed 3 |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2007-mazdaspeed-3-road-test |publisher=CarAndDrive.com |accessdate=2012-05-28}}</ref> along with a six-speed [[manual transmission]], anti-lock brakes, traction control and dynamic stability control. No [[automatic transmission]] option was offered.<ref>{{cite web|title=2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 Hatchback |url=http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazdaspeed-mazda3/2007/?sub=hatchback#fullreview |publisher=Edmunds.com |accessdate=2012-05-28}}</ref> To limit wheel slip, boost in the first gear will be limited to produce a maximum of {{convert|230|hp|0|abbr=on}}, boost in second gear is also limited. The amount of boost reduction is determined by the gear selection and steering angle. There is no reduction of boost third or above.{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}}

It uses the five-door [[hatchback]] body of the Mazda3, though it has extra structural bracing and subtle exterior styling differences. [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]]-sourced {{convert|320|mm|in|abbr=on}} front and {{convert|280|mm|in|abbr=on}} rear brake discs hide under {{convert|457|mm|in|abbr=on}} wheels.

Critical reception has been generally very positive, with automotive writers praising the car's balance of good performance and low cost.  The review by [[Edmunds.com]] compared the vehicle favorably to some more expensive rivals, saying "It's a lot of machine for the money and it offers the same balance of speed, practicality and value we've found previously only in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI."

In several road tests, the Mazdaspeed3 accelerated from [[0 to 60]] mph in under six seconds with [[skidpad]] numbers in the .87g to .91g range. A [[Dragstrip|{{convert|1/4|mi|m|0}}]] time of 14.0 at {{convert|101|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bedard|first1=Patrick|title=First Place: Power Toys|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2007-mazdaspeed-3-gt-page-6|website=Car and Driver|publisher=Hearst Corporation|accessdate=25 June 2014}}</ref>

===Trim levels===
Mazda offered two trim levels with the Mazdaspeed3. The Grand Touring model (pictured) has few outwardly visible differences from the Mazdaspeed3 Sport but includes leather and lycra weave logo-embroidered racing seats, [[Bose Corporation|Bose]] stereo with 6-[[Compact Disc|CD]] in-[[Dashboard|dash]] changer, automatic Xenon headlamps with manual leveling control, LED tail lights (the main visible difference), and rain-sensing windshield wipers.<ref>{{cite web|title=First Drive: 2007 Mazdaspeed3 |url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/wagons/112_0610_2007_mazda_speed3/ |publisher=MotorTrend.com |accessdate=2012-05-28}}</ref>

The Mazdaspeed3 Sport and GT both include front and side driver and passenger airbags, air-curtains, logo-embroidered racing seats, signature red-stitched seams throughout, logo sill-plates, aluminium GT-style pedals, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, automatic climate control and 18&nbsp;inch by 7 inch wide aluminum alloy wheels. Additional [[Strut|cross-members]] within the chassis frame and body stiffen the vehicle to improve [[Car handling|handling]] and control under heavy braking and acceleration in addition to quelling torsional flex. [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS]] brakes assist corner and wet-weather braking, lateral and through-ventilated disc brakes on all wheels provide extreme stopping power with reduced [[Brake fade|fade]]. [[Electronic Stability Control|DSC]] and Traction Control on all Speed3 models is also standard.

==Second generation (2010–2013)==
{{Infobox automobile
|name         = Second generation (BL)
|image        = Mazda 3 Speed 2011 (12095242205).jpg
|production   = 2010–2013
|wheelbase    = {{convert|2640|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|length       = {{convert|4510|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|width        = {{convert|1770|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|height       = {{convert|1460|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
}}
[[File:Mazda3 MPS (BL) – Heckansicht, 16. April 2011, Düsseldorf.jpg|thumb|left|Mazda3 MPS (Germany)]]
The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 retained the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine. New ECU tweaks provided for a more useful power curve; additionally the gear ratios were revised. The 6-speed manual transmission has a wider 2nd through 5th gear ratio than the previous generation. A torque-sensing conical limited-slip differential (LSD) is standard. The 2nd generation Mazdaspeed3 comes with larger diameter stabilizers with longer mount spans and wider Dunlop 18-inch tires. Front brakes have large diameter 12.6-inch ventilated discs.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.testingautos.com/reviews/mazdaspeed3.html|title=Mazda hot hatch: the second-generation Mazdaspeed3|website=TestingAutos|accessdate=14 January 2020}}</ref> A functional hood scoop was added to allow for a denser charge to the top-mounted intercooler while also keeping heat soak to a minimum, a common complaint with the 1st generation Mazdaspeed3.{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}} The newer generation MZR engine contained updated pistons with a "dish" around the spark plug area. This was probably to keep the fuel mix concentrated around the spark plug for better combustion. The updated car came with some additional weight, which was offset by the ECU and gear updates.  <ref>[http://www.ausmotive.com/2009/03/03/2009-mazda3-mps-image-gallery.html AUSmotive.com - 2009 Mazda3 MPS image gallery]</ref> From a standstill a 2010 Mazdaspeed3 can reach {{convert|60|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in 5.2 seconds, and the {{convert|1/4|mi|m|0}} in 13.9 seconds at {{convert|102|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Davis|first1=John|title=Episode 2911|url=http://www.motorweek.org/reviews/road_tests/2010_mazdaspeed3|website=MotorWeek|accessdate=25 June 2014}}</ref> The suspension and steering have been changed to improve performance, most notably with the addition of electric-assisted steering.<ref>{{cite web |title=2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 - First Drive |url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/drives/2010-mazda-mazdaspeed3 |publisher=RoadandTrack.com |accessdate=2012-05-28 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623221018/http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/drives/2010-mazda-mazdaspeed3 |archivedate=2012-06-23 }}</ref>  On the 2013 models, the wheels were powdercoated a black hue, and the mirrors and rear valance were black. The U.S. EPA rates the 2013 Mazdaspeed3 at {{convert|18|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} City and {{convert|25|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} Highway on premium gasoline. 

The 2013 model year was the final year of production for this generation of Mazdaspeed3 vehicles.

==Awards and recognition==
The Mazdaspeed3 has received numerous awards since its inception, winning ''[[Car and Driver]]'''s 10 Best list for 2007, 2008, and 2010;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q4/2010_10best_cars-10best_cars |title=Car and Driver 10Best - 2010 |publisher=caranddriver.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-23}}</ref> the car was an Automobile Magazine's 2007 All Star as well and has also received several more mentions and awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mazda.co.za/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1163396235821&pagename=Page&site=MSA&c=DFYPage |title=Mazda South Africa – Mazda3 Awards |publisher=Mazda.co.za |date= |accessdate=2010-02-04}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* Mazdaspeed3 official sites for [http://www.mazda.com.au/vehicles/mazda3-mps Australia], [http://www.mazda.ca/MciWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=MS3#/home Canada], [http://www.mazda.co.uk/showroom/Mazda3MPS/mps-beauty/ United Kingdom], [http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=M3H United States]

[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Mazdaspeed vehicles]]
[[Category:Sport compact cars]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]
[[Category:Hot Hatch]]
[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2007]]