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:

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Top-shelf interior
• Go-kart handling
• Terrific balance of power and fuel economy
• Unmatched value

Dings:

• Weak in the low-end grunt department
• Low backseat headroom
• No Sixth Gear?

Ruling: Power, luxury, style, sportiness, affordability, fuel efficiency, cargo room, comfort, yadda, yadda and yadda; this is the Renaissance Car of the decade.

In our lives we’ve all met people with exceptional and widely varied interests and skills. Whether it’s writing a novel, building a log cabin, flying a plane, playing in an 80’s butt-rock band, reciting the Dictionary or completing more than one Ironman triathlon, we all have friends with some unique and bizarre interests. But what if all these interests resided in one person? A person this multi-faceted is often referred to as a Renaissance Man, and often draws the respect and admiration of everyone he meets. And if there was ever a parallel car to match this beloved persona, it would be the MAZDA3 - The true Renaissance Car.

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By Gary Chan

Introduction
I was so excited to hear that the Mazdaspeed3 was available to test drive. I’ve always loved small agile cars and this epitomized that ideal with power to spare. The field has narrowed over the years and the Mazda is the first one in a while to bring excitement to the tarmac.

PROS

• Powerful engine
• Strong brakes
• HID headlights
• Driving ergonomics
• Suspension (perfect for performance driving)

CONS

• Somewhat notchy shifter
• No remote rear hatch release
• LCD information limited to one line and does not auto scroll
• Suspension (a bit firm for around town driving)

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The new Mazdaspeed3 landed in the U.S. in mid-September and its sensational. Employing the same 2.3-liter turbo four as the Mazdaspeed 6, but with retuned intake and exhaust systems, and a modified ECU that reduces torque levels in 1st through 3rd gears, this super-Mazda generates 264 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. That translates into a rather quick 0-60-mph time of 6.1 seconds and more fun than a Slippery-Slide on a hot mid-summer day.

Watch the video review as Kurt sums up the character of this fun hatch and cranks up the boost along the way.

For the full review of the Mazdaspeed3, click HERE

By Francis Cebedo

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.

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