Hot hatches are known for being reliable, spacious, and most importantly – a lot of fun. The Mazdaspeed 3 was one of Mazda’s few consumer models released under the Mazdaspeed brand, known for modifying regular consumer models to make them go fast.

In 2003, Mazda decided to bring Mazdaspeed’s expertise to consumers and release a couple of hot versions of their consumer models. Although the Mazdaspeed brand has been phased out by Mazda since 2013, the Mazdaspeed 3 was a fiery 2000s hot hatch that made its mark. First released in 2007, The Mazdaspeed 3 borrowed its engine from the Mazdaspeed 6 sedan, which at the time was the most powerful piston engine ever produced by Mazda.

The Mazdaspeed 3 Debuts With An Impressive Spec Sheet

The Mazdaspeed 3, also known as the Mazda Axela in Japan, was Mazda’s first hot hatchback since the BG Familia GT-X, another often overlooked gem from the 90s. The Mazdaspeed 3 came with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque transmitted directly to the front wheels, enabling a 0-60 MPH sprint in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 MPH. The only transmission option was a six-speed manual.

Performance Specifications

(Source: Mazda)

The first gen Mazdaspeed 3 shared its appearance with the standard Mazda 3, albeit with a reinforced chassis and body which bolstered body rigidity by 60 percent. The Speed 3 featured a GKN limited-slip differential and a stronger braking system with a 12.6-inch disc brake. Mazda also improved the suspension system by incorporating firmer springs. Larger brakes, stiffer springs, and anti-roll bars with increased diameter made the Speed 3 an agile driver’s car.

The Second Gen Mazdaspeed 3 Debuts With A Smile

The second-generation Mazdaspeed 3 made its debut in 2010, featuring a facelift that launched 1000 debates within the car community. The redesigned front fascia, sporting a distinctive smile, instantly became a point of contention – some people loved it, while others strongly disliked it. The second-generation car also featured a functional hood scoop which helped cool down the engine bay more efficiently. An interesting bit of trivia, the Mazdaspeed 3 lacked a temperature gauge in the instrument cluster. This was a bit of a bizarre exception, especially on a turbocharged car.

Performance Specifications

(Source: Mazda)

One persistent challenge faced by punchy, front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars is torque steer, and the Mazdaspeed 3 was no exception. This issue, particularly notorious in the first-generation model, led many journalists to compare driving it to receiving an upper body workout. Mazda tried to rectify this issue in the second generation by tweaking the torque management system in lower gears.

The issue persisted but it took nothing away from the fun factor of the car. Another widely known grievance was the sensitive clutch which made driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic a touch exasperating. It required a little bit of a learning curve.

The interior of the Mazdaspeed 3 was on par with what you would expect from a car from the late 2000s. Sporty seats that envelop you like a cocoon, sporty touches within include drilled aluminum pedals and a leather-wrapped short throw shifter.

The Competition Was Stiffer Than The Suspension

Around the same time, the Mazdaspeed 3 was around, there was some excellent competition in the segment.

Notable Examples

• The Impreza WRX Hatchback: Another discontinued diamond in the rough, the Impreza WRX was an excellent option if you were in the market for a sporty hatchback. If you wanted a bump in performance there was also the STI version up for consideration.
• The Ford Focus ST: Surgical performance, practicality, and stellar driving experience made the ST a worthy competitor in the space. The ST’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivered 252 horsepower, ample power to get your heart racing.
• VW Golf GTI: Not the fastest in the bunch, but it had a sophisticated German interior and provided a refined driving experience. This kind of made the GTI very popular.
• Mini Cooper S: The original hot hatch, the Mini Cooper S is a fantastic driver’s car with luxurious features. The best part was that you could have the Mini Cooper S as a convertible as well.

The Mazdapeed 3 Left An Exciting Legacy Behind

The Mazdaspeed3 was an underrated hot hatch in its time. Even today, it is not spoken of as much as the Golf GTI or Ford Focus. However, its performance left an impression on anyone lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one. You can find one in great condition, and they make excellent daily drivers as they are still practical and fun.

A used example, in decent condition, gen 1 or 2, can be yours for $8,000 – $10,000. They are quite popular in the tuner scene, so it will be a little challenging to find one completely stock, but there is an established community and a great aftermarket for parts.

With routine maintenance, long-term owners of the Mazdaspeed 3 swear by its dependability with no major issues being observed. As with any turbocharged engine, wear, and tear of engine components is to be expected but there are examples of engines going for 180,000 kilometers without requiring a rebuild. So if you’re looking for a compact, lightweight powerful hatchback that you can daily, or occasionally take it to the track, look no further than the Mazdaspeed 3.