Mazda's Mazdaspeed 3

We've always liked the Mazda Mazdaspeed 3, always thought it a fine little road blaster. When we ran a long-termer a few years ago, we were sad to see it go.

So, back at the New York auto show, when Mazda told us that its new 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 would blow us away, we couldn't wait to get behind the wheel. Now, having just finished winging our way up the California coast in one, we can say unequivocally that Mazda has improved the recipe.

To start with, there is oodles of power from the turbocharged, direct-injected, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. It produces 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. We thought the power delivery was nice and smooth. Mazda says it smoothed things out with better breathing and taller gearing. Mazda also says that to cut torque steer, it fiddled with the torque-management system, which adjusts power based on steering position and gear. It works. This is a terrific engine.

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