2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 in Manassas

The Mazdaspeed 3 is the hottest sport compact to roll this year. Check the facts: 263 hp, a fortified chassis, and a racy cabin for a base price of $22,835. Radar guns see a demure econobox. The reality is that affordability, practicality, and stealthy velocity can share the same three-legged stool.

Born two years ago, Mazda's 3 elbowed aside Honda Civics and Volkswagen Golfs to become the budget-bound enthusiast's new sweetheart. Now that Mazda's speed geeks have recalibrated the hatchback version of the 3, it's off and running toward the wild, blue, 150-mph yonder.

The transformation from wee one to wild thing involved no shock therapy or rack torture. The noble goal was an affordable front-driver capable of muscling into Mitsubishi's and Subaru's all-wheel-drive party. To begin the process, U.S.-based Mazda engineers built two project cars and mailed them to Japan for colleagues to drive and scrutinize. A few weeks in the dyno room followed by track tuning has transformed a capable compact into the quickest yearling in the stable. It may not have been Mazda's intention, but neither the RX-8 nor the Mazdaspeed 6 can keep pace with this young sprinter.

The core engine for both Mazdaspeed cars is the same long-stroke, 2.3-liter MZR four-cylinder available in most of the cars and trucks in the Mazda lineup, not to mention several Ford Motor Company vehicles.... Read full article