.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=&dpr=1.5)
When the old hot-hatch debate pops up not many people think of Mazda, although they make reliable sporty family cars they don’t often make genuine performance versions of their family cars, usually opting to invest in out-and-out sports cars instead.The most notable exceptions to this rule were the long gone Mazdaspeed models, both the 3 and 6 had their merits but are usually forgotten. Although it was not around for all that long, the Mazdaspeed 3 actually did go through two distinct generations, the first generation came about in 2006 and only lasted a few short years, then the controversy started when they launched the second generation.Styling is always a subjective topic, the first generation is fairly muted but the second generation Mazdaspeed is one of the few objectively ugly cars, with a weird maniacal grin and wavy lines. If you can get past the design, it is actually one of the best value for money hot-hatches on the used market.
10 DISI Turbo Engine
The 2.3-liter DISI turbo is one of the best performance engines ever developed by Mazda, churning out an impressive 260 horsepower.
Horsepower figures have gone up for front-drive hatches, but at the time, even this wasn’t really fully usable with the amount of torque steer it generated.
9 Ahead Of Its Time
From an engineering standpoint, it was well ahead of its time as it came with ESC, traction control and side curtain airbags all as standard fitment. Safety features some models still leave on the option list.
It also had an advanced engine management system that extracted the most out of the turbo engine. Its styling at the time was, to say the least, bold, and certainly hasn’t aged well.
8 Sport Suspension
Most automotive journalists noted how harsh the ride was, some hot-hatches strike a balance between comfort and handling, the Mazda simply doesn’t.
Compounded by the low profile 18-inch rims, the focus of the ride and handling of the Mazdaspeed 3 is firmly on attack.
7 Sleeper Hatch
The old design of the Mazda 3 stood out a bit, but the only real difference between a Mazda 3 with a body kit and the Mazdaspeed 3 is the functional hood scoop.
It is truly an understated performance car and will catch most unsuspecting muscle cars out with blistering pace off the line. It achieved an impressive 0-60 time of just over 5 seconds near the end of its service life, a time that will scare a few modern “hot” hatches.
6 Affordable Fun
Today, the Mazdaspeed 3 offers great value on the used market, with prices well below that of its contemporary hot-hatch opposition.
One of the contributing factors to that is its looks, but the main reason it never really took off was because of the reliability concerns around the DISI engines. Electrical gremlins were an issue, but more so with the 6, both cars had issues with the high pressure fuel pump though, these issues were frustrating but not necessarily deal-breakers.
5 A Practical Side
At the end of the day, most people will opt for a hot hatch over a sports car because it has trunk space and can actually seat five people.
It can do just that, although the ride is on the firm side and not everyone will enjoy that, it will easily do double duty as a fun car and a family car if that is what you are looking for.
4 Underrated
Traditionally European cars dominate hot-hatch sales, Japanese brands have all tried and failed to find the perfect balance between performance and practicality.
In many ways, the same rings true for the Mazdaspeed 3, it is primarily a performance car that can do the practical stuff when necessary, not the other way around. When buying a new car this would have been an issue, today, buying it used, that really isn’t an issue at all, especially when you consider how affordable they are.
3 A Little Different
Small hatchbacks are a dying breed today, just seeing what were normal run-of-the-mill cars a few short years ago is something of a rarity, hot-hatches seem less common than supercars in some areas.
This was never a popular choice, so if you are after something a little subtle and a little different, then this might be a perfect choice.
2 Driver Focused
Let's face it, more than 250 horsepower in a regular front drive is a crazy amount of power. Torque steer is inevitable.
It makes the car a bit of a handful in the twisties, you really have to drive the thing. Add to that the fact it was only available with a manual transmission, and you have a genuine drivers' car no matter which way you look at it.
1 Zoom Zoom
It might seem like a childish slogan, but this car embodies it perfectly. It is something that will appeal to your inner child in more ways than one.
When it came out people didn't want to buy it because it doesn’t really make that much sense, and it looks a little different, today we love it for those reasons, it also just happens to go like a scalded cat, too!