Mazdaspeed3

The Mazdaspeed3 is a sport compact hatchback introduced for the 2007 model year by Mazdaspeed, Mazda's in-house performance division. Now in its second generation, the Mazdaspeed3 is a performance-enhanced version of the 5-door Mazda3. Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as the Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. The vehicle is front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.3-litre gasoline engine. The Mazdaspeed3 was designed prior to the latest generation of hot hatches, including the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Ford Focus ST, and the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTI. The engine featured in the Mazdaspeed3 produces 263 horsepower. The Mazdaspeed3 also features a limited slip differential. The car produces 280 lb-ft of torque. The Mazdaspeed3 is the company's first hot hatchback since the BG Familia GT-X of the early 1990s.