And, despite the specs and hopes, the Mazda3 Turbo just isn’t in the same class. It lacks the spark of the other cars discussed here. Sadly, it’s not an updated take on the much-missed Speed3.
And, despite the specs and hopes, the Mazda3 Turbo just isn’t in the same class. It lacks the spark of the other cars discussed here. Sadly, it’s not an updated take on the much-missed Speed3.
One little preview I'll give you of the data from the track test is that the three cylinder loves being on boost and doesn't really much enjoy any other condition. And boost needs to be actively maintained, too. Unless you really snap that 3-4 shift quick, you an see a noticeable momentary drop in acceleration while the boost rebuilds once you're in 4th. It's a decidedly old-school feel. Definitely more GLH than Civic Type R.
Yeah, I was definitely getting Audi Sport Quattro vibes.
I love hot hatches. I loved my Abarth for 7 years and only sold it to find new experiences. I think within the first year I deleted the back seat with a shelf and carpet, I never planned to put anyone back there that I liked, and it made the cargo capacity pretty decent for a hatch. So backseat room is not important (I have a Crosstrek for that.)
I think it might be time to do some couch shopping and see if there any local. I was hoping either the 2024 would be more mass produced, or maybe 2023's would pop up for sale (at an appropriate price).
In reply to JG Pasterjak :
Does it have a flat shift feature? I'm not really one for mechanical abuse, but I've driven a few manual trans turbo cars with it (the first was a Cobalt SS turbo) and the difference between a normal shift and a flat shift is entertaining. Something about a little lag rolling into the throttle or during normal driving shifts makes it feel like a rocket when you really get into it and flat shift through a few gears without boost falling off and coming back in after a shift.
Of course if it doesn't have that feature to cut spark or whatever it is they do, it's a great way to break things.
I bought a GRC over a Golf R because the Golf just doesn't excite me, plus the nearest dealer is about a 3 hour drive away. Pair that with VW's reputation for needing dealer visits and it's a firm NO for me. Why it over an Elantra N or Civic R, well, we get a fair bit of snow here and I wanted AWD, plus the Civic is a fair bit more $$$. I wanted to spend my money on speed, not luxury, which I don't really care about in my 22 minute daily commute and this delivers. It's quieter than my previous 2015 WRX with more technology and rides about the same, so it's a step up for me. The back seat is only occasionally used for short trips with kids, so for that it's good enough.
I have a Core, not a Circuit as reviewed, which in Canada is $10k cheaper for the same performance (standard Torsen diffs), so that really changes the value equation.
So after spending about 24 hours with the GR I have to agree with Tom. Like him a lot of my driving was in traffic so maybe I just didnt get the full GR experience on fun roads. That being said it was a fun car to drive, the shifter felt great and the seat was supportive and comfortable.
The big thing for me was how mean this thing looks in person, the hood vents, spoiler and body kit all come together to make a really good looking car.
For me though, the GR is in a hard place when you have other choices like the Golf R and Elantara N at similar price points. I am excited to film the track review with JG to get his impressions on track but on the street it was not as exciting as I expected it to be. Ultimately though, if you handed me back the keys I would happily drive it every day.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
The Corolla isn't neutered makes more power, has better brakes too. Also sounds better. And it's not gonna have that BMW spectre hanging over my head...
I want to like the 4 cylinder Supra, but taking away the brakes and diff from the 3.0 Supra feels like a missed opportunity.
As for why this over its competition? For me, it scratches a lot of boxes. I've never owned a new car, a 3 cylinder, or an AWD. I can see this being seriously fun as a daily. Most of my cars have fallen in the "slow car fast" category, so tossing a car around is completely second nature for me.
JG Pasterjak said:One little preview I'll give you of the data from the track test is that the three cylinder loves being on boost and doesn't really much enjoy any other condition. And boost needs to be actively maintained, too. Unless you really snap that 3-4 shift quick, you an see a noticeable momentary drop in acceleration while the boost rebuilds once you're in 4th. It's a decidedly old-school feel. Definitely more GLH than Civic Type R.
should left foot braking be used to keep the boost up like in old rally cars?
What might have spoiled me here: I had recently driven the Acura Intergra Type S. For me, at least, it was the total package: fast, comfortable. It’s like a grown-up version of my old Civics.
We caravanned with friends to breakfast while we had it.
His comment upon arriving: Bro, you just look so happy driving that car; you should buy it. (He’s cool enough to successfully use “bro” while I am not.)
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