2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Review

Overview

The 2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is a high-performance five-passenger wagon. It is a compact sports car designed to provide optimum exhilaration. The MAZDASPEED3 carries forward the award-winning MZR 2.3-liter DISI Turbo engine and builds on the legendary performance of the original while adding a fresh new look and even better handling. The 2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is a four-door hatchback available in one trim - Sport. Package/option changes for 2011 include the addition of rain-sensing front wipers, auto on/off headlights, Bi-Xenon headlights with auto leveling, Adaptive Front-lighting system, and LED rear combination taillights to the MAZDASPEED Technology Package.

Power and performance

Under the hood of the 2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 is a 2.3-liter direct-injection spark ignition turbocharged Inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine is teamed to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The EPA-estimated mileage figures stand at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

Body and styling

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels, high-performance summer tires, a limited-slip differential, fog lights, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, a digital turbo boost gauge, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, front sport seats, leather and cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and steering wheel controls are among the standard equipment. The MAZDASPEED Tech package includes keyless ignition/entry, an integrated compact navigation system and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound stereo with satellite radio and a six-CD changer.

Safety Features

The 2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 comes with various standard safety devices such as front and rear side-impact door beams; front side-impact airbags; triple-H construction; 3-point seat belts at all seating positions and front seat-belt pre-tensioners with force limiters. Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; height-adjustable front shoulder belt B-pillar anchors; LATCH child safety seat anchors; immobilizer anti-theft system; dynamic stability control and traction control system; tire pressure monitoring system; foldaway brake pedal assembly; collapsible steering column; keyless remote panic button feature on key fob; and whiplash-reducing front seat headrests are also standard.