At a time when hot hatchbacks were rare, the Mazdaspeed3 roared onto the scene with turbocharged power, a visceral driving feel, and everyday practicality. This hot hatch wasn’t just quick; it was unapologetically wild, which earned it a cult following that has not faded. But now, after its departure, enthusiasts still can’t help but wonder if it’s time that Mazda brought this legend back.
What made the Mazdaspeed3 so special was its personality. It had the type of unfiltered, slightly unruly edge that modern performance cars often don’t have. Torque steer that tugged at the wheel, a turbo surge that came on strong, and the thrill of wringing every ounce out of a hatchback that still hauled groceries. This was a car that made driving feel alive.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book and CarGurus.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.3L Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
263 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
The Mazdaspeed3 Had Turbocharged Power That Redefined Hot Hatches
When the Mazdaspeed3 launched in 2007, it immediately reset expectations of what a hot hatch could be. Under its hood was a powerful, turbocharged engine that pumped out impressive power that catapulted it ahead of the class. At the time, when competitors were still playing it safe with modest boosts in performance, the Mazdaspeed3 offered genuine thrills at an attainable price point. It wasn’t just a fast hatchback; it was fast, period.
What made it even more remarkable was how it stacked up against cars far above its weight class. The Speed3 could hang with sports sedans that cost thousands more, all while staying within reach of younger buyers and driving enthusiasts on a budget.
How Much Does A Mazdaspeed3 Cost Now?
According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price for a second-generation (2010-2013) Mazdaspeed3 is $8,056, while the first-generation models (2007-2009) carry an average price of $7,319. When checking out the nationwide postings on CarGurus, we found the average prices to be true, as many second-gen examples are selling for anywhere between $8,000 and $12,000, while the earlier models are selling for around the same or less, depending on their condition, location, and mileage. Either way, the Mazdaspeed3 is undoubtedly a performance bargain, considering it was originally priced at around $23,000 when it was new. Nowadays, it’s hard to find something with so much performance for that price range, let alone a new car in the $20,000 range.
Mazdaspeed3 performance specs
|
Model |
First-gen Mazdaspeed3 |
Second-gen Mazdaspeed3 |
|
Engine |
Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder |
Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
263 hp |
263 hp |
|
Torque |
280 lb-ft |
280 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
FWD |
A Driver’s Car With Everyday Practicality
The brilliance of the Mazdaspeed3 was how it blended its raw performance with the usability of a compact hatchback. It was based on the Mazda3, after all, which meant that it had a roomy cargo area, could seat five, and handled the daily grind without breaking a sweat. Yet, once the road opened up, it transformed into a smile-inducing performance machine. Yes, torque steer was part of the driving experience, but that unwieldy character became part of its charm. There are few cars that have managed to feel so useful and so unfiltered at the same time.
Mazdaspeed3 cargo space
|
Cargo capacity |
17 cubic feet |
|
Ground clearance |
4.7 inches |
|
Cargo capacity (rear seat folded) |
42.8 cubic feet |
|
Turning circle |
36.1 feet |
Fuel economy
While it’s easy to go on about the Mazdaspeed3’s impressive performance and daily usability, we have to address its fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 can obtain up to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. Comparing that to some of the turbocharged four-cylinder cars in today’s market, which typically get around 30 mpg, those numbers are fairly low.
Why Enthusiasts Still Rave About The MazdaSpeed 3
If you talk to anyone who has owned or even driven, a Mazdaspeed3, they will likely light up. The hot hatchback wasn’t just about the numbers on paper, but also about the way the car felt when driving it. The turbo surge, the way the manual transmission clicked into gear, and the sound of the engine spooling all gave the car a personality that modern, over-refined performance vehicles often lack. Even today, many used MazdaSpeed3 examples hold their value well and remain sought-after by enthusiasts who want that blend of practicality and performance.
Modifications Lead To Lots Of Power
Another reason that the Mazdaspeed3 is still prevalent in the minds of some enthusiasts is its ability to respond well to modifications. Many enthusiasts in the past have added parts like larger turbochargers, better-flowing intercoolers, and suspension modifications to make the car handle better and have livelier performance. Some of them have even extracted over 300 horsepower to the wheels from their cars, making the Mazdaspeed3 an excellent platform for modifying.
What A Modern MazdaSpeed3 Comeback Could Look Like
If Mazda ever decided to revive the Mazdaspeed3, it would have the chance to capture lightning in a bottle once again. Imagine a new generation built on the current Mazda3’s sharp-handling chassis, paired with a turbocharged engine or even a hybrid-assisted performance setup.
With today’s advancements in traction control and suspension tuning, the notorious torque steer can be tuned out without losing the car’s wild edge. Combine that with Mazda’s upscale interior design and focus on driving engagement, and the result could be a modern hot hatch worthy of the Mazdaspeed badge once again. In a market that is dominated by crossovers, a new Mazdaspeed3 would remind the world that affordable, driver-focused fun still matters. It would also do well when competing against other hot hatches in the market like the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla.
What About The Mazda3 Turbo?
Of course, there is currently a turbocharged version of the Mazda3 in the current lineup, which carries a similar spirit to the Speed3, but it’s not the same. Although the Mazda3 Turbo produces 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, in addition to having an AWD configuration, its automatic transmission bogs down the experience. As such, if Mazda could throw a manual transmission into the mix, it could rebadge it as a new Mazdaspeed3 and call it a day.
Mazda, Please Bring Back The Mazdaspeed3
If Mazda wants to rekindle the passion of enthusiasts and prove that driving engagement still has a place in an SUV-heavy world, bringing back the Mazdaspeed3 is a way to do it. Cars like the Civic Type R and GR Corolla have proven that the demand is still there, and its legacy is undeniable, so the timing couldn’t be better. Mazda, it’s time to give us the hot hatchback we have all been waiting for. Or, just add a stick shift to the current Mazda3 Turbo, and that will suffice.