Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Mazdaspeed3

Despite its confounding, redundant name, the Mazdaspeed3 is a sporty little car that offers a dose of practicality, according to Cars.com reviewer Bill Jackson. The Mazdaspeed3, he says, is no pretender when it comes to driving pleasure, but there is a chance buyers will get caught up on some of the subjective details. Read Jackson’s full review to find out why he thinks this car should be on your test-driving list if you’re looking for zippy practicality.

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Review

2010|Mazda|Mazdaspeed3

Cars.com Podcast: Quick Drives

The editors drove a ton of upcoming new models at a recent rally, including the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid, the 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3, 2010 Kia Forte Koup and the 2009 Infiniti G37 convertible. That’s a lot of new metal to test out and Joe Bruzek, Mike Hanley and Joe Wiesenfelder give the details in this week’s podcast.

You can download the podcast via iTunes here or simply hit the play button below to listen in your browser.

Cars.com Podcast #28

2010 Mazdaspeed3 Video

While the evaluation of performance cars like the Mazdaspeed3 comes primarily from driving the car, Joe Wiesenfelder walks us through what’s changed on the 2010 ‘Speed3. His verdict on the new styling? Well, he does mention a “big, big mistake” in his wrap-up.

2010 Mazdaspeed3: Up Close

Seeing a car like the Mazdaspeed3 up close doesn't really give a feel for what it's all about. It's about the turbocharged power and sport-tuned handling and braking, but until we get to drive it all I can really comment on is how it looks in person. Standing in its presence, it doesn't look as bad as it did in press photos. It looks worse.

2010 Mazdaspeed3 at 2009 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Honda Civic Si
• Looks like: Mazda’s new smiley face turned mean
• Drivetrain: 263-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2009

Mazda already released images and information on the new Mazdaspeed3 for the European market, but it's just now handing out details about the U.S. model today at the 2009 New York auto show. The car is based on the next-generation Mazda3 hatchback, but it retains the same engine as the outgoing Mazdaspeed3. The company said it didn’t need to add more power because 263 horses going to the front wheels of a compact car is plenty.

After testing and generally fawning over the outgoing Mazdaspeed3, we’d have to agree. However, the company wasn’t going to just let the hot hatch go untouched elsewhere.

The new body of this generation is more rigid than before, which allowed Mazda to make the suspension firmer without sacrificing ride comfort. The tires are also wider with more grip; a set of 225/40R18 Dunlop SP Sports is standard.

The hydraulic steering also adds electric assist to make low-speed steering lighter. The brakes have also been mildly updated, as has the transmission’s gearing.

There will be just one trim level of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, which comes with upgraded black cloth compared with the Mazda3. A Tech Package with navigation, keyless entry, push-button start and a 10-speaker Bose sound system will be available, but there won't be a Grand Touring trim with leather seats, as there was in the outgoing model lineup.

The company says it will still be the most powerful front-wheel-drive car under $25,000, but no firm price has yet been released. More photos of the European version are below. We'll have U.S. versions live later this morning.

First Look: 2010 Mazdaspeed3

We already got a glimpse of the new Mazda3 sedan and hatch a couple months back, and now Mazda has completed its lineup reveal with the most coveted model: the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, which will debut at the 2009 Geneva auto show.

Like the Mazda3, the Mazdaspeed3 appears to be an evolution of a car that’s already working well for the automaker.

The Mazdaspeed3 borrows styling cues from its big brother, the Mazda6. Judging from the available pictures, unique features include a giant hood scoop, larger rims and dual chrome tailpipes. The Mazdaspeed3 will only be available as a four-door hatchback.

Mazda hasn’t revealed much in terms of specs, but it did mention that the powertrain is a carryover from the 2009 model, which has a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder.

Mazda managed to drub out more power from its carryover engines in the Mazda3, so the Mazdaspeed3’s horsepower may also increase from the old application’s 263 hp.

No on-sale date was given. For now, check out a few more photos below and let us know what you think.

Cars.com Videos: Hybrids, Convertibles and Hatchbacks, Oh My!

2009 Infiniti FX35: From its menacing grille to its seven-speed transmission, the sporty FX35 is really fun to drive, David Thomas says.

2008 Saab 9-3 convertible: This redesigned convertible, with its distinctive front grille, looks good, David says, but it doesn’t match up to its competition.

2008 MazdaSpeed3: There’s no need to compromise utility for performance with this lively hatchback, Mike Hanley says.

2008 Mercury Sable: The Sable is a sleek-looking, well-proportioned car with lots of passenger and cargo space, Mike says.

2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid: Kelsey Mays takes a closer look at the Aspen Hybrid, which gets 19/20 mpg city/highway and can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Try doing that with a Prius.

2008 Kia Sportage: Even with its bargain-basement price, Kelsey says the Sportage no longer measures up to its competition.

View and share all of Cars.com’s videos via YouTube.

Question of the Day: What's Faster to 60 MPH?

Since SEMA officially kicks off tomorrow and we’ve already been inundated with reports on some of the production and concept cars showing up there, we figured today would be a good day to answer one reader’s question about speedy, specialized hatchbacks.

The reader’s inquiry was which hatchback is faster to 60 mph: the Mazdaspeed3, Dodge Caliber SRT4 or Mini Cooper S.

Which is faster from zero to 60 mph, the Mazdaspeed3, Caliber SRT4 or Mini Cooper S? (Ask.cars.com)

Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Mazdaspeed3

We were surprised to see a review of a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 because we didn’t think the 2007s had left dealer lots, but after a quick inspection of national inventory we found only five 2007s in the entire country. This powerful little hatchback is a Cars.com staff favorite, and its interesting to read what real-world people think of living with it every day. Check out what one Ohio Mazdaspeed3 owner had to say about his 2008 and don't forget to submit your own review. 

Cars.com Faceoff: Cheap Speed, the Sequel

Last year, the all-new Volkswagen GTI bested the then-aging Mini Cooper and the new Honda Civic Si in one of our most popular faceoffs to date. Today, Mike Hanley, David Thomas and Joe Wiesenfelder took last year’s champ and put it against a redesigned Mini Cooper and a newcomer, the Mazdaspeed3. Which affordable, accelerator-friendly hatchback won out? Click below. 

Cars.comparison: Small and Fast, Take II