Based on the Mazda 3 five-door hatchback, the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3’s exterior design tweaks include 18-inch multi-spoke wheels and performance tires, flared fenders, stronger hood character lines, a larger air intake in the front bumper, and “floating image” fog lights. Side sill extensions decorate the Mazdaspeed 3’s flanks, while at the rear there’s a unique rear fascia, a bigger exhaust outlet, and LED taillights. Inside, the Mazdaspeed 3 gets upgraded interior materials, embossed sport seats with red stitching, and matte-black trim panels. Aluminum pedals, stainless steel scuff plates, and a blackout-style speedometer complete the factory-tuned look. A 20-gig hard drive audio system is offered in Europe, and will hopefully make the trip to American, while safety is ensured through dual front, front side-impact, and side-curtain airbags. If Mazda can keep the price tag within reach of the competition, the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 will be one of the most compelling enthusiast bargains on the market. And with its five-door hatchback design, among the most useful as well. Better still, it’s no stretch to imagine a similar package for a revived Mazdaspeed MX-5, which could better tackle turbo’d versions of the Solstice and Sky roadsters. For people who love to drive, the future looks bright at Mazda. Photos courtesy of Mazda
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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