Mazdaspeed3, a True ‘Zoom Zoom Car’

Mazda’s famous slogan touting their vehicles as “zoom zoom cars” definitely holds true for the lively turbo-charged 2011 Mazdaspeed3 Sport model that I drove recently.

The electric blue 4-door hatchback looked every bit as good as it drove, thanks to the happy-faced front grille and flared front fenders. With standard dual tailpipes and a fancy rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, and its functional hood scoop, the Speed3 looked every inch a sports or “zoom zoom” car.

The Speed3’s turbo-charged 2.3 L 4-cylinder 263 hp engine delivers 280 lb-ft of torque with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. It is a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

When delivering the 6-speed manual Speed3, the driver said, “Hold onto the steering wheel when you shift into third gear, because you’re going to take off like an airplane thanks to the turbo-charge.”

‘Hold onto the steering wheel when you shift into third gear, because you’re going to take off like an airplane thanks to the turbo-charge.’

Heeding his advice, I was extra mindful driving onto the carefully patrolled loop that allows drivers to get onto the freeway, since I’d been stopped there a time or two.

A special LED turbo-boost gauge between the speedometer and tachometer on the dash helps drivers “hold their horses.” Large aluminum pedals make driving with a clutch easier than ever. And interior red accents on the shift boot, seats, and steering wheel plus more red on door panels and seat inserts remind the driver and passengers this is the sportier version of the Mazda 3.

Safety features

Other reassuring factors for such a high-performance car are all the safety features. They include an anti-lock braking system, remote keyless entry system with panic mode, 5-passenger 3-point safety belts, “crashable” brake pedal, dynamic stability control, traction control system, advanced dual front air bags, side-impact air bags and curtains, collapsible steering column, anti-theft engine immobilizer, and Triple-H body construction.

With a starting price of $23,700, the Speed3 is competitive with the Chevy Cobalt SS and VW GTI. In town gas mileage is estimated at 18 mpg, and highway mileage at 25 mpg.

Special options on the test model include a Tech package offering 265-watt Bose center-point 10-speaker surround sound audio, a navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, perimeter alarm, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, and LED rear combination lights. These added an additional $2,511 to the car for a total of $27,010.

Jo Ann Holt is a car columnist and journalist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).