After totally redesigning the Mazda 3 in 2010, their engineers kept pushing the envelope to see how far they could take this design. Well, here we are in 2013, driving the 2013 MAZDASPEED3 Touring, and we have to say, Mazda has done quite well. When you drive a car for a week, you can get a really good feel about the soul of the car, and this car has rock ‘n roll in her soul.

The 2013 MAZDASPEED3 Touring is an aggressive looking car, and with velocity red bicolor as tested along with 18-inch gunmetal painted alloy wheels, there is some serious testosterone happening here. Our test model included the Technology package, which adds automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights. Other exterior notables were foglights, keyless entry, sport type front and rear bumpers and hood, grille insert and trim, sport-tuned dual exhaust outlet with bright tips, two toned dual power mirrors with turn signal lamps and unique MAZDASPEED3 two-tone rear-lift gate spoiler. The car just screams speed, but also incorporates a clean and stylish appearance.

The cabin space looks sleek and refined compared to past Mazda models and was loaded with options. Our media car boasted 5-passenger seating, tilt and telescopic steering column, audio cruise and Bluetooth steering controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with contrast stitching, power windows with auto and power door locks, cloth and leather seats, very cool and unique MAZDASPEED3 sillplates and rear armrest with cup holders. Additional optional equipment included interior lighting kit, mirror comp homelink with rain sensor, blind spot monitoring system, full color touch screen navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, HD and Pandora radio, SMS text message delivery and reply, E911 auto emergency notification, alarm system and rain sensing windshield wipers. Yes, this car is loaded and quite comfortable for the driver, as the 2013 MAZDASPEED3 Touring is a work of art for the price.

We touched on how much we liked the exterior and interior of the 2013 MAZDASPEED3 Touring, but the performance is what will leave the lasting impression. The 2013 MAZDASPEED 3 boasts a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that sends 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels and a six-speed manual is the only available transmission. The shifting was smooth and crisp, as the MAZDASPEED3 Touring climbed to high speed in seconds. This car is so much fun to drive that until you experience it for yourself, it’s hard to understand. Cars in this price range just don’t handle and perform like the MAZDASPEED3 Touring. Fuel economy was average at 18mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway, but those who are in the market for a performance car would expect that range in fuel efficiency.

There is no doubt that we are fans of the 2013 MAZDASPEED3 Touring, and for Mazda, this is a car that they can have some fun with. The Mazda 3 is their best-selling car, and what better way to give people more of a good thing. Pricing is also impressive, as our loaded Touring edition stickered out at $27,955, which we consider a bargain. Between the good looks, awesome performance and spot on pricing, the 2013 MAZDASPEED3 Touring will be adding driving excitement to many car buyers out there.