Well I finally went and drove one. A silver 2008 Mazdaspeed3 sport (pictured). I know I started this topic regarding the power lock issue but figured I'd share my first impression for any who care.
First off, I am absolutely sold. As far as value goes, nothing is within shouting distance of this car new. I brought a business partner along for the test drive as he was looking at buying a 2004 Mercedes S430 which we drove just prior to the test drive in the MS3. He could not believe the features and power relative to the price. "This is how much money again?" he kept repeating.
As far as the drive goes...
Torque steer was less pronounced then many have indicated (if you haven't driven a 1984 Dodge Omni GLH then don't talk to me about torque steer!) and the cars exhaust, although a little boomy, isn't as loud as some have said.
Shifter wasn't nearly as "notchy" as some have indicated either. The clutch take-up was predictable and heal and toe rev matching down-shifts were a breeze. This is DEFINITELY a drivers car! Kick ass job Mazda! The motor does have an awfully narrow powerband reminding me of a 2 stroke sport bike. Pulled like a b**** but like a b**** it is over so quickly. By 6 grand your sucking air. From what I have read some of this can be remedied with a cold air intake and exhaust tweeks. (Is this true?)
The worst thing about the MS3, in my opinion, is the dealers. There are 3 Mazda dealers here in San Diego. 2 of the 3 would not let me drive the car. I am 40 years old, own my own company and can cut a check for this car right GD now. (And thanks to this forum I knew more about the car then the salesman who eventually "arranged" a test drive for me.) I just found it ridiculous that these cars are not available to be driven. I understand why but still, common... it's not a Bugatti Veyron and I'm not 18 years old with a bouncing Adam's apple and bad acne. In the words of Keyshawn Johnson..."Just gimme the damn keys!". And the line "they are only making 5000 of these". That's a joke. Even the 1992 Galant VR-4, a car of which only 1000 were produced with each having it's production number emblazoned on a dash mounted plaque could be test driven off any Mitsu lot! 5000, please.
These cars are jammed to the gills with value. Upon comparing the Sport to the Grand Touring I realized that you only get the Xenon headlights, LED taillights, Bose sound system (I listen to talk radio mostly), rain-sensing windshield wipers, a swath of leather on the side bolsters of the seats and a trip computer for $1500 additional. Granted, the headlights/taillights are cool. But does anyone else get annoyed with the automation of everything on the modern car? I mean can I please just turn on my own windshield wipers? And I couldn't tell a huge difference between the Sports sound system and the Grand Touring's Bose. I mean there was a difference, just not a large difference. Does anyone think the two sound systems are hugely different? Lastly, isn't there a hack for the trip computer that turns it on in the Sport models? I guess that has been remedied in the 2008, right? But if I want the Alcantara inserts on the 08.5' I will have to cough out the cash for the GT I guess. I was quoted $23,880 for a 2008 GT not including tax etc...
Either way, I am sold. Wish it was rear-wheel drive (who doesn't on this board?) and that it's powerband was a little more spread out but with that being said, the car is what Darth Vader would drive if he was a better dad. Hauls gear and hauls ass.
