Mazda’s taking no chances with the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3. It gets a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.3-liter four-cylinder under the hood, the same engine found in the larger Mazdaspeed 6, but detuned to 250 horsepower because the 3 is front-wheel drive, rather than all-wheel drive like the Mazda 6. Power peaks at 5,500 rpm, and while torque peaks at 3,000 rpm, it’s spread across a wide rev range to ensure that the car is quick to respond under a variety of conditions. Power is transferred to the front wheels through the same six-speed manual as the Mazdaspeed 6, and a standard limited-slip differential helps the Mazdaspeed 3 get from a standstill to 60 mph in about six seconds.

Hauling the car down from speed is a set of upgraded brakes, vented 320mm discs up front and solid 280mm rear rotors equipped with ABS and brake assist. Rolling on P215/45R18 rubber mounted to sharp multi-spoke alloy wheels, the Mazdaspeed 3 sticks to the road thanks in part to a standard dynamic stability control system. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension is massaged to produce 60-percent greater roll stiffness than the standard Mazda 3, and boasts higher spring rates, stiffer dampers, and thicker stabilizer bars. Structurally, the Mazdaspeed 3 is stiffened up through the use of reinforced front cowl members, a gusset running between the rear shock towers, and underbody strengthening.