i never considered the torque steer issue, interesting point. i just figured it was a manufacturing thing, just to keep production costs down by using the same setup as the cx-7 or speed 6. and you are right they put the electric pump in the dumbest possible location, they need replaced in just about any front end collision that is the slightest bit off center, and the only thing sheilding it is the bumper cover and windsheild washer bottle. must be the volvo shining through.
at any rate, i actually like the way it feels w/ the varible speed better, i drove my buddys speed and it didn't seem as responsive to me, which i thought was odd because the mazdaspeed comes w/ stiffer spring rates, bigger sway bars, better/larger tires than my 07 3s hatch stock but i have the mazdaspeed accessory springs and rear upper control arms, i just assumed that the accessory springs were stiffer than the stock mazdaspeed springs, than a few days later i popped the hood and looked down and was shocked. i guess the feeling is personal preference but i like the way mine handles over a stock speed any day, now a mazdaspeed w/ the mazdaspeed accessory springs would be entertaining ....
BTW: i am the parts manager for a body shop, and what a sweet feeling it is breaking the news to some assclown field writer from an insurance company we are not on a DRP program with, that they have to shell out the $$$ for the "dealer only" part
