Counter-rotating balancers, exclusive to the larger engine, substantially reduce vibration, making this a particularly smooth-running powerplant. At the same time, this engine really does its best work above the torque peak of 150 pound-feet at 4500 rpm as it pulls to its peak of 156 horsepower at 6500 rpm; so it, too, needs a little help from the driver's shifting skills to stay in the fat part of the power band. At the same time, the 2.3-liter's EPA fuel-economy ratings are 22/29 mpg City/Highway on regular gasoline.
Both the 2.0-liter engine in the Mazda3i and the 2.3-liter in the Mazda3s belong to Mazda's MRZ family, and feature such sophisticated technology as sequential valve timing (S-VT), variable intake system (VIS), and electronic throttle control. Both the sedan and the five-door are set up to take advantage of the strong personality afforded by these Mazda MZR engines.
The steering with its electro-hydraulic power assist responds crisply and accurately to your command, and the tires afford plenty of grip in the corners.
The brakes are up to the task as well. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are now standard on all models; while Dynamic Stability Control with traction control is standard on 3s Touring and Grand Touring. As a fun-to-drive package, the Mazda3 has better credentials than its competition.
The Mazdaspeed3 is an entirely different product due to its turbocharged engine with direct fuel-injection that delivers 263 hp at 5500 rpm. The Mazdaspeed3 has all the hardware to keep up with so much power, notably a six-speed manual transmission that rips off quick, clean shifts in a way that no other front-wheel drive car can match.
The Mazdaspeed3 is a legitimate 155-mph automobile, with a relatively quiet, calm personality on the freeway. Yet the Mazda is really in its element in the corners, where there are no surprises in the way it handles. The chassis stays balanced and predictable right to the limit of tire adhesion, where the limited-slip differential still delivers optimal power to both front wheels. The Mazdaspeed3 carves through the corners in a way that's distinct from its all-wheel-drive competitors, the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Next Page