Efforts to mask the latter stifle steering-feel, which robs some of the joy of handling, though the helm remains nicely weighted and linear in its response. This lag, though, is what gives the Mazdaspeed3 its personality. There have been many owners of my car 2007-2009 Mazda mazdaspeed 3 that have been experiencing blown motors and have been denied by the dealers and Mazda themselves. Introduction The Mazda 3 has been a solid success for the Japanese company since it went on sale in the U. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Mazda3 a three-star rating, which is its average rating and not particularly reassuring. My wife was driving her Mazda speed3 at highway speed when the motor failed without warning and caused an engine compartment fire. The dealer determined the struts mounts, rear sway bar links, bushings and clams all needed to be replaced.
There was also vibration from that noise that can be felt through the pedals of the car. After that incident, a knocking noise in the engine compartment was apparent. Not only is it inconvenient, but with a manual transmission, it seems a bit dangerous, especially because I found the shifter easy to pop in and out of gears. Handling and Braking Most reviewers agree that the Mazdaspeed3 shines in handling, with sporty confidence and tenacious grip on even the windiest of roads. Most auto writers agree that the powerful four-cylinder engine produces great acceleration. So, is there still understeer in the Mazdaspeed3? One distracted move while trying to find your destination could land you in neutral or the wrong gear.
There are at all four wheels, and they provide plenty of stopping power. The Grand Touring version adds rain-sensing wipers, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, and an uplevel Bose stereo. I brought the car to the dealer, which was Sierra Mazda of monrovia, ca, and I explain the whole situation, they only looked at the car for about 15mins and then said it was a clutch related issue that was not covered under warranty. This speed is supposed to be cheap, after all. The dash low oil pressure indicator light did not come on until after the motor stopped running.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Mazda3 its highest frontal crash rating of Good. The 3s are nicely made, look terrific, have excellent handling and steering, and are fun to drive. Do you get the same sense of confidence as in one of those all-wheel-drive models? On the highway, the effect is more akin to the loud drone of an idling lawnmower. Pressing down through this hesitation allows the brakes to catch fully. Trim Levels The base four-door models are equipped with the 2. The Mazdaspeed3 is not just an around-town rocket. Send David an Hide full review.
The engine has tossed a rod threw the block. Most reviewers find the suspension fitting for a sport compact -- a bit firm and stiff but well controlled over the tightest of turns and road irregularities. Three flavors are available: i, s, and Mazdaspeed 3, the latter available only as a hatchback. The only change to the lineup was the standardization of side and curtain airbags on the s Sport model. Radio and environmental controls are easy to reach and intuitive in every respect. It turns this little number into a miniature roller coaster ride all unto itself, with the lag hitting you in the same part of the gut as that first drop on the coaster. The dealer request receipt for maintenance which I provided.
. Safety All Mazda 3 models have front airbags, but only the s and the Mazdaspeed models have standard front-side and curtain airbags. Can't you hear the switchbacks calling? The gauges are the same glowing orange and hold up well in bright sunlight. Mazda did well not to change too much here. With the rear seats up, there was plenty of room to stow luggage on a weekend trip.
It joins the Mazdaspeed6 as an affordable performance car, and I hope it spurs the company to keep producing high-speed variants of other models. Its side-impact tests were performed without the side airbags that are standard in the Mazdaspeed3, and without them the Mazda3 received the lowest score, Poor. The lag is the amount of time it takes the turbocharger to kick in under acceleration and provide a boost to the engine. The five-door hatchback is available only in s trim, with the 2. Cargo Strip away the thrilling turbo engine, and the Mazdaspeed3 is still a four-door hatchback.
The rip-snorting Mazdaspeed 3 packs a turbocharged 2. The turbo engine provides a ton of turbo lag — dirty words in performance circles. The six-speed transmission also makes highway driving fun. To see what details are different this year, check out a of the two model years. Mazda has denied warranty coverage, saying that the fault is due to the Mazda dealer that performed the last oil change service did not install the oil drain plug properly. No other sport compact on the market has this kind of usability, and that may sway drivers looking for responsible fun. Safety Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, as well as side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, are standard, as is a tire pressure monitoring system.