2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Trims and Specs

Built for speed, the 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Sport hatchback takes the MAZDA3 platform and stiffens and lowers the front independent and rear multilink suspension, adds larger brakes and shocks, sport seats, a larger exhaust pipe and noise, and dons side skirts, a rear spoiler, and foglights. Though it uses the same 2.3-liter DOHC inline four, it adds turbo power, which increases horsepower by 107 hp to 263 hp. Torque hits 280 ft-lbs at 3,000 rpm. A 6-speed manual is the only transmission choice. Performance and safety features include 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, a tire monitor, limited slip differential, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags. Crash ratings sit around four stars for front impact and three for side.

For interior comfort, the 2008 MAZDASPEED3 Sport is much like the regular MAZDA3 in that it features a full power setup, with remote entry, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls for the CD player, an MP3 jack, intermittent front and rear wipers, leather accents on the wheel and shifter, a tachometer, a security system, and a temperature display. Front power outlets sit in the center console and there are front and rear cupholders. The rear seats split-fold, expanding the cargo area from 16 to 43 cubic feet. A cargo cover is included and a net is optional. Options add satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compass, and a remote garage opener. The driving experience and engine power reign here, but owners do complain about the small back seat and noisy ride.

The 2008 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Grand Touring adds a few more safety features, creature comforts, and options to what you get with the Sport Trim. This front-wheel drive compact hatchback packs a punch in its turbocharged 2.3-liter, DOHC inline four with variable valve timing, delivering 263 hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque. It is matched to a 6-speed manual only. Foglights, a rear spoiler, side skirts, and alloy wheels add to the sporty appearance.

Equipped with a standard limited slip differential, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags, the 2008 MAZDASPEED3 Grand Touring earns three and four stars in crash tests. The Grand Touring brings automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and xenon headlights to the mix. Other safety features include head restraints, a tire monitor, and a security system. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is optional.

The hatchback seats four, though the 36 inches of rear legroom can feel cramped. The cargo area starts at 16 cubic feet and expands to 44 with the rear seats down. It comes with a cargo area cover, and a net can be added. A fold-down armrest in the backseat adds comfort, along with front and rear cupholders. The 2008 MAZDASPEED3 Grand Touring upgrades with a trip computer, leather bolsters, and a Bose sound system with 6-CD changer and seven speakers. Other features include a full power setup, remote entry, intermittent front and rear wipers, leather trim, a tachometer and temperature display, and wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. A navigation system is offered exclusively on the 2008 MAZDASPEED 3 Grand Touring, joining satellite radio, a compass, and a remote garage opener as options.