I was reading about this new hot hatch coming next year and was totally amazed to see how powerful the little car is. Am I the only one that thinks that the hatch horsepower wars are getting completely out of control? To me its rather excessive that Mazda decided to put 280lbs of torque to the front wheels of a small car. Any reviews of the Mazdaspeed 3 out there yet?

The new MCS hasn't even come out yet and it already seems outgunned in the straightline department by the existing and soon to be here competition.

 

hummm... i don't see myself sipping coffee admiring some Mazda3 in the garage...

 

Neither do I, though I don't sip coffee admiring my or anyone else's MINI in the garage either. I am just amazed at how this segment has changed in the last 3 or so years, with the Neon SRT-4, Civic Si, the GTI already out and the mazdaspeed 3 and Caliber SRT coming, 200hp is quickly becoming the bear minimum. Some buyers, including potential MINI customers, will completely overlook the current and new MCS just based on raw horsepower numbers. And that can't be good for making money.

 

That would actually be a minority of car buyers overall.

 

Here you go:http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/d...rticleId=116119

 

The MS3 appears to be a fantastic value. Two of my MINI club members have ordered them, though they're definitely keeping their beloved MINIs! The MS3 will make a great daily driver for those who want a fun drive/commute while their MINI stays home safe and clean, waiting for a REAL run!

 

don't count out the regular mazda3's either, they are quite competitive against regular coopers at autocross! I would encourage you all to go drive one sometime, they are quite an impressive value, and provide amazing handling for a four door sedan at a reasonable price. Steering feel is EXCELLENT, handling is well balanced, and the ride/handling compromise is very well done. In addition, the 2.3 MZR motor provides a dead flat torque curve, which although peak hp isn't the greatest (mine put down 141 whp stock), its a very rewarding drive. That and the brakes are FAR superior to a stock mini's, my stock brakes are comparable to my wife's JCW brakes I'd say. Doesn't have the personality that a mini does, but its quite a fine automobile. If only the mazdaspeed was offered in a sedan (I personally think the hatches are fugly, I own a 2004 S sedan). Can't wait to go out and test drive one of those fugly mazdaspeed hatches though!

 

I gave the Mazda 3 some thought before buying the Matrix for my wife. At the end the Matrix seemed much more practical and since we already have a pretty impractical car (mini) we went for more room, cargo space and awd. The 3 is definitely a nice car - I think the Mazdaspeed 3 with 17 inch wheels and no turbo would be a great daily driver - anything with 280lbs of torque is not a daily driver in my book.

I have always thought that the MINI's brakes are really good. Sure, the initial pedal feel isn't all that great but my bare bones MC stops so quickly its scary. The only thing i can see people complaining about is the fade at the track or while driving at reckless speeds down a mountain road.

 

That line made me laugh out loud. I know exactly what you mean.

My wife has a Mazda 3 wagon (Mazda calls it a 5-door to allay the fears of American buyers) and it's been a great car. Lots of cargo capacity and with the leather interior, it feels like a much more expensive car than it is. I agree with rubyred about the fugly looks, especially in the front end. When I first looked at the 3 when they were introduced, I opened the hood and told my wife "This is designed to have a turbo and a front mounted intercooler." There was way too much empty space in front of the radiator unless it was planned to have a big intercooler.

BTW, the Edmunds link above is missing a few letters in the URL. Try this one: http://tinyurl.com/l5rlb

 

that's because they're young and just looking for specific raw horsepower.

MINI's are more for people that enjoy motoring in a more broad sense.
not just racing or just going fast, or just playing spec racing with
friends.

and while I not motoring, i like to just relax in my garage and
admire my cars.

 

actually i like the Maz3 wagons as a commuter. I seriously considered
getting one myself. even if there was a ms version with turbo, i would
still get the non-turbo version. why pay premium for a economy car?

 

Yup. The MINI is not just a car, but also a lifestyle (for those who care to indulge in that aspect of ownership). The MS3 happens to have many of the features people like about MINIs, plus a little more cargo space, and more doors. *excitedly* AND the GT model MS3 has heated seats!! [a running joke between me (I love heated seats) and my SO (who couldn't care less, but is glad that I'm happy his MS3 will have them)]

 

My wife said I need to see a doctor, but hey! you have to see the doc too!

 

I would! I love the Mazda3. Last I heard the Mazdaspeed3 wasn't going to be awd.. if it was, I know what would be replacing my 2005 Audi A4

 

Alt link:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116119

From the article:

"Tipping the scales at a mere 3,060 pounds, the MPS is 154 pounds lighter than the GTI..."

When did a 3k pound car become a light car? If I remember correctly the GTIs and Civic Sis back in the 80s were barely if at all over 2k. These cars need a diet, blah.

 

rub it in why don't you.... some of us don't have a garage.

You and I and most of the people on this forum enjoy motoring on in a more broad sense of the word. But there are many MINI owners (I might even go as far as Most Owners) that look at the car as cheap fun transportation. In that context, the MCS starts to look less and less attractive as fast hatches priced at a low price keep pouring in from all over the world. There are a number of ex-MINI owners on this forum that have already switched to the Si and the GTI and i am sure a few will eye the MS3 as well.

Power doesn't matter to me as much. I autox my MC regularly and like spirited driving and still opted for the model without the supercharger, but all you need to do is search this forum on "pulley" or "MTH" and the sheer number of hits will make it obvious that to many enthusiasts straightline speed and raw power is as important as anything else (and thats on a forum where the motoring in a more broad sense of the word reigns as king).

 

I am thinking about the caliber srt4 but i will wait since i think the next model will be awd.

 

you think? meb, the doc, needs more help than me.

 

humm... if i was going for straighline speed i would've gotten
something else. it's a little different between getting a fast car
for the sake of going fast and getting a MCS and just getting the
most out of it. pulley and ECU upgrades are minor tunes imho.

 

oh... well, ive heard some people think Michael Jackson looks hot. jk

 

I like and really enjoying driving my 3 sedan as a commuter, but it doesn't replace the love for my Mini!

Cheers

 

has a write up...

Matt

 

i couldnt find it online..

 

which I think just got recycled....

Short summary: 5 door hatch with 250 HP, for 22k. They sub-titled the article "Dropping a bomb on the competition."

Matt

ps, Mazda's website has some info...
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...er=upcomingMS3

 

Yes, I read the article just this morning and they really liked the car. Almost made me think twice about it, but that much HP through the front wheels in a place where it snows 3 months a year would not be practical. A Mazda 3 was actually my second choice next to the MINI...a distant second, but second.