If you've read us recently, you might be under the impression that we're bearish on the 2010 Mazdaspeed3. In the first full test of the car, associate editor Harwood called out a specific, significant complaint. "We immediately recognized something that has been a signature of the 'speed3 since it first went on sale: torque steer. It was the biggest complaint we had with the previous-generation, and returns here." In our 2010 Car of the Year evaluations, editor at large St. Antoine came to a similar conclusion: "I was disappointed in the 'speed3, particularly because it's such a fanboy car," he wrote. "I had issues with the torque steer...it didn't seem to put the power down."
So, do we hate the car? No. In 2006, we chose it over another of our perennial favorites, the Subaru WRX, in a head-to-head comparison test. One of the main reasons was the irresistible allure of 263 horsepower -- a big deal for a front-drive compact car, especially wedded to such a smart and snappy chassis.
So, do we hate the car? No. In 2006, we chose it over another of our perennial favorites, the Subaru WRX, in a head-to-head comparison test. One of the main reasons was the irresistible allure of 263 horsepower -- a big deal for a front-drive compact car, especially wedded to such a smart and snappy chassis.
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