2013 Mazdaspeed 3 specs
One of the most dynamic small hatchbacks ever made by Mazda is the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3. It immediately became well-known among both regular drivers and auto aficionados for its aggressive styling, turbocharged acceleration, and captivating driving experience. More than 10 years later, it continues to attract interest from buyers seeking a car with performance without compromising on usability.
The 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 is still shamelessly daring, in contrast to many contemporary hot hatches that have accepted automated gearboxes and subdued appearance, connected driving sense, which is uncommon in today's market. This model is worth looking at more closely, regardless of whether you are looking to buy a used car, are thinking of upgrading your performance, or are just interested in its specs.
Performance and Engine
A powertrain built for sheer driving enjoyment is at the core of the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3. A 2.3-liter MZR Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbocharged inline-4 engine powers the vehicle. Strong acceleration across a broad power range is provided by this engine, which produces an amazing 263 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a powerful 280 lb-ft of torque at just 3,000 rpm.
The Mazdaspeed 3 was designed with performance in mind, and it shows in its construction, unlike many tiny cars of its era. Highway merging and competent backroad driving are made exciting by the engine's turbocharged system, which responds instantly and delivers a power boost. With this degree of performance, the vehicle directly competes with other performance hatchbacks from the same generation, such the Volkswagen GTI and Subaru WRX.
When paired only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the driving experience is completely captivating. The driver has total control over how much power the car delivers with each gear shift, which feels deliberate and mechanical. It is fun for both everyday commutes and weekend excursions because the clutch provides the ideal amount of resistance and the gear ratios are well-tuned to maximize the torque of the turbocharged engine.
The front wheels receive power, which adds to its lightweight and nimble characteristics. The car does, however, have significant torque steer, which is a frequent feature of powerful front-wheel-drive vehicles, because so much force is being routed via the front axle. Thankfully, most drivers get used to it fast, and they might even like the additional power it gives the steering feel.
For a hatchback in this class, the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 5.8 seconds. Its impressive performance capabilities are further demonstrated by its top speed, which is close to 155 mph. Whether you're maneuvering urban streets or stretching its legs on the broad highway, the automobile seems eager and active.
Under acceleration, the sound produced by the turbocharged engine is deep and aggressive. At cruising speeds, the cabin is relatively peaceful, but when you push the engine, the note gets louder, which increases the driving excitement without being too loud.
Managing and Managing Dynamics
There is a lot more to the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 than just speed. Its handling of turns, curves, and actual road conditions reveals its genuine personality. This automobile, which was designed with performance in mind, offers a driving experience that is precise, connected, and confident—qualities that are typically seen in more costly performance cars.
Mazda fitted the Mazdaspeed 3 with a multi-link rear suspension and a MacPherson strut front suspension, both of which were precisely adjusted for control and responsiveness. The ride quality of this suspension system is hard yet balanced; it is sporty enough for aggressive cornering but still manageable for everyday commute. The car feels grounded on winding roads and highway on-ramps because there is less body roll while driving spiritedly.
An electro-hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion system provides precise and incisive feedback for steering. The steering of the Mazdaspeed 3 conveys what is happening between the tires and the road, in contrast to other highly aided systems present in contemporary cars. Because it is snappy without being twitchy, the car feels stable at greater speeds and agile in congested urban traffic.
Four-wheel disc brakes with solid rotors in the back and vented rotors in the front provide equally remarkable braking capability. Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) all contribute to the system's ability to offer reliable stopping power, especially in situations involving large loads or emergency braking. The brakes give you confidence whether you are driving through regular traffic or a backroad.
The car has a large contact patch and exceptional road grip thanks to its 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 225/40R18 high-performance tires. Its ability to corner is further enhanced by these performance tires, which provide good traction in both dry and wet conditions. However, because they are designed for sport, they can wear down more quickly than regular all-season tires. This is something to think about if you plan to keep them for a long time.
The Mazdaspeed 3's agility and engagement are comparable to those of certain rear-wheel-drive vehicles, despite its front-wheel-drive setup. However, torque steer—a little strain on the steering wheel during heavy acceleration—can be perceptible because of its high torque output. New drivers might be surprised by this, but many fans say it gives the car's entire feel a distinct and unpolished character.
The vehicle seems responsive, tight, and ready to change course when driving. It maintains composure during rapid corners and manages abrupt lane changes with ease. Because of its good balance, the chassis can behave predictably even when it is strained to the absolute limit.
Comfort and the Interior
Although the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3's performance is its most well-known attribute, its comfort features and interior design are also worth mentioning. Because Mazda carefully balanced a driver-focused design with everyday use, this hot hatch is appropriate for long-distance travel and commuting in addition to aggressive driving.
There is an air of sportiness and purpose as soon as you enter the cabin. This is not your typical small hatchback, as the interior design makes clear. In order to keep the driver and front passenger securely in position during cornering, it has highly reinforced front sport seats that offer superior lateral support. With their red stitching and sturdy black upholstery, these seats subtly but noticeably give a performance-inspired element to the entire design.
All of the necessary controls are conveniently located in the driver-centric cockpit. In addition to improving grip, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake lever give the cabin a more upscale feel. With a huge tachometer prominently displayed to highlight the car's performance nature, the gauge cluster is simple and easy to read.
The 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 boasts a respectable array of technological amenities for its era. It has a Bose® 7-speaker premium audio system with a subwoofer that produces clear sound whether you are using Bluetooth® to make hands-free phone calls or listen to music. Additionally, the vehicle has cruise and radio controls positioned on the steering wheel, which adds convenience without requiring you to take your hands off the wheel.
The dashboard has a clear, practical design, easy-to-use controls, and premium materials for the market. Additionally, a small navigation system installed at the top of the center stack was included with some trims. Although it might not be as sophisticated as the touchscreens seen in modern cars, it nevertheless offers simple navigation and fits in nicely with the interior design.
Regardless of the outside temperature, the Mazdaspeed 3's automatic dual-zone air conditioning system ensures comfortable travel for both the driver and any passengers. Power windows, keyless entry, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering column are further creature conveniences that allow you to customize the driving position for better ergonomics.
The Mazdaspeed 3 does well for a little hatchback in terms of spaciousness. While the rear seats are perfect for kids and everyday errands or for on shorter excursions, the front seats offer enough of head and legroom. This sporty hatch is unexpectedly useful for carrying groceries, equipment, or weekend bags because the back seats can be folded down to increase load capacity. The cargo area is around 17 cubic feet when the seats are up, and it increases considerably when the rear seats are dropped.
For a car that is focused on performance, the sound insulation is decent. Road and wind noise are audible at highway speeds, but they are not very noticeable. The engine's growl is more noticeable when accelerating, which is a trait that most performance aficionados enjoy, but it becomes quieter at cruising speeds for a more comfortable ride.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 has respectable fuel efficiency for a car in its class, despite its performance-focused design. It is able to provide a balance of power and efficiency that appeals to both drivers and owners who are more pragmatic because of its turbocharged engine and lightweight design.
The 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 gets about 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and a total rating of 21 mpg, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ratings. Although they are very competitive in the performance hatchback market, these numbers put it marginally below average when compared to non-performance small automobiles.
It is crucial to remember that the Mazdaspeed 3 needs high-quality unleaded fuel in order to function at its best. The engine will operate smoothly, maintain its maximum power output, and prevent long-term wear if the proper fuel type is used. This is a typical trade-off for turbocharged engines, even though it can result in a minor increase in fuel expenses when compared to typical compact cars.
Real-world driving behaviors, road conditions, and maintenance practices can all affect fuel economy. Compared to drivers who drive carefully, individuals who like fast acceleration and frequent boost usage may get less fuel mileage. Nonetheless, a lot of owners say that, especially on longer highway trips, fuel efficiency figures that are comparable to EPA predictions may be attained with cautious driving.
The 6-speed manual transmission contributes to fuel economy as well. When shifting at lower RPMs, drivers can shift more efficiently since they have more control over the gears they choose. On the other hand, if you are primarily using the car for everyday errands or commuting, aggressive driving in lower gears can significantly diminish fuel economy.
The technical team at Mazda worked hard to strike a balance between the vehicle's performance potential and manageable efficiency. Despite lacking sophisticated fuel-saving features like cylinder deactivation or auto start-stop, the Mazdaspeed 3 nonetheless gains from its aerodynamic form and comparatively low curb weight.
Fuel efficiency is reasonable for anyone who intend to drive the vehicle on a regular basis, especially when you consider the performance it offers. Few cars in its class provide the same combination of speed, handling, and daily usefulness, even though it might not get as much mileage as a typical compact car.
Features for Safety
Although the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3's performance and style are its main advantages, Mazda did not undervalue safety. This sport-tuned hatchback offers peace of mind whether you are navigating twisting backroads or city streets thanks to its extensive array of standard safety measures that are intended to protect the driver and passengers.
Fundamentally, the Mazdaspeed 3's enhanced safety cage and stiff body structure improve occupant protection in the event of an accident. In order to absorb and divert impact forces away from the cabin in the case of an accident, the car also has crumple zones in the front and back.
The 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 has a comprehensive suite of airbags for passive safety, which include:
- Two airbags in the front
- Side-impact airbags in the front
- Front and rear passenger side curtain airbags
Together, these devices offer coverage from several perspectives, lowering the possibility of injuries in an accident.
Mazda included a number of technologies to enhance control and driver awareness for active safety, which helps stop accidents before they happen. The car is equipped with:
- When applying severe braking, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) aids in preserving steering control.
- Vehicle stability is monitored by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which takes action if it notices oversteering or a lack of traction.
- The Traction Control System (TCS) improves grip when accelerating by reducing wheel spin on slick surfaces.
- Depending on the load, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels as efficiently as possible.
- Additional stopping power is provided by brake assist in emergency braking scenarios.
- When combined, these features improve safety without compromising the vehicle's dynamic driving qualities.
Another important component of road safety is visibility, and the 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 has fog lights and halogen headlights to enhance eyesight in bad weather or low light levels. During rainy or snowy trips, the rear window's defogger and wiper are especially useful. The 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 received an overall 4-star safety rating out of five from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for crash testing. It is a formidable challenger among performance hatchbacks of its era, as seen by its rating, which shows excellent performance in the frontal and side crash categories.
The Mazdaspeed 3 was well-equipped for its time and provides a high degree of basic protection, even though it lacks some of the more recent, sophisticated driver-assist technologies that are popular now, such as lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Remaining safe on the road also requires careful driving, appropriate maintenance, and judicious use of the vehicle's performance capabilities.
