2013 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 review

The 2013 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 is a nice counterpoint to the Ford Focus ST we had in our fleet a few weeks ago. They're both around $28k, have similar outputs and accoutrements, etc. But where the Focus ST felt pretty refined, considering its capabilities, the Mazda, by contrast, felt pretty raw -- in a good way. The clutch pedal will bite you if you're not careful; the shifter is crisp; the car is noisy. 

After some time, we got over the gaping, smiling and obnoxious grille in the front

Even so, torque steer seemed a bit more manageable in the Mazda despite its somewhat higher output (263 hp and 280 lb-ft to the Ford's 252 hp and 270 lb-ft). It still gets a bit squirrely when the turbo kicks in the lower gears, but you feel ready for it somehow -- perhaps the car communicates a bit better thanks to all that noise. 

2013 Mazda 6 Review

The 2013 Mazda 6 has no major changes other than the inclusion of eighteen inch wheels for the i Grand Touring and the i Touring Plus. The Mazda6 has a choice of five trim levels, the i Sport, i Touring, s Grand Touring, i Grand Touring and i Touring Plus. Options with the prefix s have a V6 engine while those with the i prefix have a four cylinder engine.

The i Sport has automatic headlamps, steel wheels that are sixteen inches, full power accessories, adjustable driver seat (height), air conditioning, steering wheel mounted controls (audio), keyless entry, cruise control, a six speaker CD system that has an auxiliary jack and a telescoping steering wheel that tilts.

The next model the i Touring sports a trip computer, fog lights, alloy wheels that are seventeen inches, an 6 CD changer in dash, power driver seat, upgraded interior trim, audio connectivity, leather wrapped shift knob, Bluetooth phone and steering wheel wrapped in leather.