If you’re looking for a moderately-priced quick little vehicle with a contemporary look, top-tier features, and dynamics that make it a pleasure to drive, the 2010 MAZDASPEED3 — the newest version of the MazdaSpeed family — might just be the car for you.
This is the zoom-zoomiest of the Mazdas, with a 2.3-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder 263 hp, 280 lb-ft torque engine. They’ve upgraded the Mazda3 concept with this newest version, utilizing the latest design enhancements (many borrowed from its main predecessor, the Mazda6) and featuring the addition of a body kit, dual-exhaust, rear diffuser, new wheels with larger rims, a slightly larger rear wing, and a new bulging hood with an impressive scoop.
The first new MazdaSpeed model since 2007 and the third model in the 2010 MAZDA3 lineup, this car has been described as a “road rocket”; “the definition of sporty”; and “The MAZDA3 kicked up a notch”. The 2010 MAZDASPEED3 tested well at Germany’s famed Nürburgring track last year and car enthusiasts have been anticipating this car ever since.
(Retails for $22,740-$24,455)
Read the Mazda press release after the jump:


Last Thursday was a great day at CarReview.com when we took delivery of the Mazdaspeed3. We heard about the incredible power of this car. 263 bhp and 280 ft lbs of torque on this small, front wheel drive car was either a recipe for trouble or spirited driving nirvana.The car had 1900 miles on the odometer. It was a bright orange red and we had it for a week. Could it handle the power? Was it comfortable? Is it easy to live with? We were intrigued. Part of the reason we were excited about this car is we are hatchback fans. Hatchbacks are fun, roomy, affordable and practical. It fits the active lifestyle and it won’t break the bank doing it. With this package, looks like it would fit the driving enthusiast lifestyle as well.