Mazdaspeed3 (BK)
The first-generation Mazdaspeed3 was the turbocharged performance version of the Mazda3 five-door hatchback. It used the 2.3-liter MZR DISI Turbo inline-four, a transverse front-engine layout, front-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a standard limited-slip front differential.
Model Overview
The Mazdaspeed3 was introduced for the 2007 model year as the high-output turbocharged version of the first-generation Mazda3 hatchback. In other markets, the same basic model was sold as the Mazda3 MPS or Mazdaspeed Axela, depending on region.
The first-generation Mazdaspeed3 used Mazda’s 2.3-liter MZR DISI Turbo engine, known by the L3-VDT engine code. The engine was paired only with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. It shared engine-family context with the Mazdaspeed6 / Mazda6 MPS, but the Mazdaspeed3 used front-wheel drive rather than the all-wheel-drive system used by the Mazdaspeed6.
Core Specifications
| Model | Mazdaspeed3 |
|---|---|
| Generation | First generation Mazdaspeed3 |
| Chassis / Platform Reference | BK |
| Model Years | 2007–2009 in North America |
| Market | North America; related Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed Axela versions sold in other markets |
| Body Style | Five-door hatchback |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Engine | MZR DISI Turbo / L3-VDT turbocharged inline-four |
| Displacement | 2,261 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 87.5 mm x 94.0 mm |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 16 valves, variable valve timing |
| Block / Head | Aluminum alloy block, aluminum cylinder head |
| Compression Ratio | Approximately 9.5:1 |
| Induction | Turbocharged and intercooled |
| Fuel System | Direct Injection Spark Ignition gasoline direct injection |
| Horsepower | 263 hp at 5,500 rpm in U.S.-market specification |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm in U.S.-market specification |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive System | Front-wheel drive with standard front limited-slip differential |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson strut front suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link rear suspension |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in |
| Length | Approximately 176.8 in |
| Width | Approximately 69.1 in |
| Height | Approximately 57.7 in |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 3,150–3,170 lb, depending on model year, trim, equipment, and source |
Specification figures vary by market, model year, trim, equipment, and source. North American output is commonly listed at 263 hp and 280 lb-ft; some non-U.S. Mazda3 MPS references list output in metric horsepower or kilowatts.
Engineering Character
MZR DISI Turbo Engine
The Mazdaspeed3 used the L3-VDT 2.3-liter MZR DISI Turbo inline-four. The engine used dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves, gasoline direct injection, turbocharging, intercooling, and variable valve timing.
Front-Wheel Drive Layout
The Mazdaspeed3 routed its turbocharged engine output through the front wheels. Mazda equipped the model with a front limited-slip differential and torque-management calibration to manage power delivery through the front axle.
Six-Speed Manual
The first-generation Mazdaspeed3 was sold with a six-speed manual transmission. No factory automatic transmission was offered for the North American Mazdaspeed3.
Mazda3 Hatchback Body
The model used the five-door Mazda3 hatchback body structure with Mazdaspeed-specific drivetrain, suspension, braking, wheel, tire, exterior, and interior equipment.
Model-Year Notes
| 2007 | First North American model year for the Mazdaspeed3. The model used the 2.3-liter MZR DISI Turbo engine, six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and a standard front limited-slip differential. |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Continued first-generation Mazdaspeed3 production. Core engine output, drivetrain layout, and transmission specification remained aligned with the 2007 model. |
| 2009 | Final North American model year for the first-generation Mazdaspeed3. It was followed by the second-generation Mazdaspeed3 (BL) for the 2010 model year. |
Regional Nameplates
| Mazdaspeed3 | North American nameplate for the turbocharged high-performance Mazda3 hatchback. |
|---|---|
| Mazda3 MPS | Name used in several global markets, including Europe and Australia, for the same basic performance model. |
| Mazdaspeed Axela | Japanese-market name associated with the Mazdaspeed version of the Mazda Axela, the Japanese-market name for the Mazda3. |
| Mazdaspeed6 / Mazda6 MPS | Related Mazda performance model using the same engine family, but with a larger sedan body and all-wheel drive rather than the Mazdaspeed3’s front-wheel-drive layout. |
Modern Enthusiast Relevance
- 2.3-liter MZR DISI Turbo L3-VDT inline-four
- Gasoline direct injection
- Turbocharged and intercooled factory engine package
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Front limited-slip differential
- Five-door hatchback body
- Shared engine-family context with the Mazdaspeed6 / Mazda6 MPS
- First-generation Mazda3 BK platform
- 2007–2009 North American model-year range
Comparable Cars
Volkswagen GTI Mk5
Contemporary front-wheel-drive turbocharged hatchback using a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and available manual or dual-clutch transmission depending on market and model year.
Dodge Caliber SRT4
Front-wheel-drive turbocharged compact hatchback from the same broad period, using a larger-displacement turbocharged inline-four and manual transmission.
Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback
Turbocharged compact hatchback and sedan model using a flat-four engine and all-wheel drive, depending on generation and market.
Ford Focus ST
Front-wheel-drive turbocharged hatchback from the later global hot-hatch segment, commonly using a turbocharged inline-four and manual transmission depending on market and generation.
Buying And Ownership Notes
Evaluation should confirm model year, regional nameplate, transmission condition, clutch condition, turbocharger condition, timing-chain and variable-valve-timing system condition, high-pressure fuel-pump condition, engine compression, intercooler and intake plumbing, cooling-system condition, front differential operation, suspension condition, corrosion, prior accident repair, and previous modification quality.
The first-generation Mazdaspeed3 should be distinguished from standard naturally aspirated Mazda3 hatchback models and from the later second-generation Mazdaspeed3 (BL). The Mazdaspeed3 used model-specific engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, brake, wheel, tire, exterior, and interior details.
MSC Taxonomy
Summary
The Mazdaspeed3 (BK) is a 2007–2009 turbocharged front-wheel-drive sport compact hatchback based on the first-generation Mazda3 platform. It used the 2,261 cc MZR DISI Turbo L3-VDT inline-four, a six-speed manual transmission, a front limited-slip differential, and North American factory output commonly listed at 263 hp and 280 lb-ft.