If that is true, beginning to see why Ford would be hesitant to bring the Euro Focus to the U.S. - especially if it had this engine instead. FWD or not, that is quick. Liking this car more and more. Hopefully it can handle corners well.

 

very true about the EuroFocus... but I would still love it over here lol.
Yea, I'm hoping it handles as good as it accelarates. All that tourque might strain the front wheels a bit. But knowing that it is riding on a really good suspension, and that the normal Mazda3 performs better on the lateral g's than the STi, is a good indicator that it might kick some ****.

(Hope its not like the Vectra )

 

same here. 5.2 is pretty impressive. i have got to get a test drive in one of these im a big fan of this car, and i hope its as much a success with the consumers as it is with me.


*side note* im almost 18, which means i'll be legally allowed to work in a dealership (right?.... i hope so...) perhaps i'll get to drive one of these honey's without a test drive... well.. without one for me lol

 

Gee, I wonder if it has a solid rear axle

 

Oh, no..here we go again..

 

I just read Motor Trend's first drive article and they seem to really like it! Mazda will only make 5000 a year supposedly. I would love to have one as my family type car but, I don't think I can afford it right now.

 

The kids over at IGN got the opportunity to drive the MazdaSpeed3 over at Laguna Seca... they gave it a thumbs up.
http://cars.ign.com/articles/730/730560p1.html

Mazda is controlling oversteer by using a tourqe limiter that takes affect in the first and second gears.