Comparo: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 vs. Volkswagen GTI

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FTD 4s

The future of high-performance squares-off

By John LeBlanc Whenever the economy tanks or governments want people to drive more fuel efficient or environmentally friendly automobiles, expect the auto industry to adopt a "let's-get-small" attitude. Take the recession of the late '50s and early '60s, which spawned the first American "compacts," like the Ford Falcon and Chevrolet Corvair. Or the sudden closing of the Middle Eastern oil taps in 1973, which got the ball rolling for downsized cars again after an era of heavy-duty muscle cars. So here we are in 2010, two years into this recession, with tighter government-mandated fuel economy regulations pending. And, once again, the auto industry is focusing on shrinking, dealing not only with fewer customers walking into dealer showrooms, but also with making things smaller under the hood. What used to be powered by eight cylinders now makes do with six, and where sixes were a commonplace, fours are becoming the norm. But that doesn't necessarily mean the fun times are over for driving enthusiasts. To prove the point, we've brought together two of the most practical, yet fun-to-drive cars around: the 2010 Volkswagen GTI and Mazdaspeed3. Both are Straight-Goods/Hot Hatch faves, relying on the age-old hot hatch formula of taking an everyday, front-wheel-drive compact, then adding more power, a tighter suspension system and some sporty accents. But which of its pair of new age sports cars is the best all-around vehicle?

Second Place: 2010 Mazdaspeed3

Building on a platform that dates back to 2004, the sportiest (and most expensive) Mazda3 receives a refresh significant enough for 2010 to call it new. You'll find fresh styling plus 18-inch alloys with bigger rubber on the outside, while a reworked, better-quality dashboard and some new features on the inside. Tweaks to the steering setup, taller gear ratios in the six-speed manual box (the only transmission choice), rejigged torque-management electronics (to quell understeer), and a revised suspension complete the upgrades underneath. In the performance-versus-practicality equation, Mazda's crack engineering squad definitely tipped the scales in favour of the former. One thing Mazda didn't change this year was its hot hatch's punchy powerplant. Other than the 265-hp Subaru Impreza WRX, the $32,995 Mazdaspeed3's direct-injected, turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder, rated at 263 hp and 280 lb.-ft of torque, easily trumps the GTI's 207-hp figure from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four. Although a GTI equipped with a $1,400 six-speed dual-clutch automatic like my tester will match the Mazdapseed3's 6.9 second run from zero to 100 km/h, stick against stick, the VW arrives 0.2 seconds later. Despite the Mazda's firmer spring and shock rates which help it to feel even more alert when asked to change course, ride quality has improved quite bit from the brittle-riding 2009 version. In reality, though, there's not much difference in the handling limits between the VW and Mazda. But it's the Mazdaspeed3 that always feels at attention, ready to treat a run to the mall like a timed gymkhana session. But the consequence of all that power surging through only its front wheels means, despite Mazda's best efforts, torque steer is always a brush of an accelerator pedal away. It gets in the way of what's otherwise a communicative vehicle. And the relative lack of refinement continues in the Mazda's cockpit too. Certainly, the Japanese-made Mazda is right up there with other Asian brands, but it can't match the solidity or overall interior refinement of the German- (not Brazilian-, or Mexican-) made VW. A good example of this are the seats; the Mazda's aren't as supportive and aren't as comfortable as the GTI's front thrones. Next up, we've got gripes with the nav system. Sure, it's standard-fit, but it's much harder to read and operate than the Volkswagen's larger, centrally mounted touchscreen unit. Other nits? Well, the Mazdaspeed3's shift quality feels ropey, its clutch is comparatively grabby, and road noise is more pronounced. If you want the rootinist, tootinest hot hatch you can buy, and straight-line performance is your thing, don't let me get in the way of you and the quick Mazdspeed3. But I think another car, overall, is the better buy... Buy this car if ... You want a hot hatch with plenty of 'tude; you like to be race ready, 24-7; you don't mind your cars a little rough around the edges. Don't buy this car if ... You dislike wrestling with the steering wheel; you appreciate a nicely thought-out interior.

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