Sayonara MazdaSpeed 3, hope to see you again

I've read several places, including the recent Consumer Reports and last year's USA Today's reviews of the 2014 Mazda3 that a manual trans is coming soon for the 2.5 liter engine, presumably next model year. The USA Today piece noted that Mazda expects 12-15% of 2.O liter buyers to choose the manual and 15-20% of 2.5 liters to choose one when it's available. I'm hoping you don't have information that Mazda has changed its mind on the 2.5 manual because I'm looking forward to driving both manual versions in my coming car shopping.

The 2.5 manual may not be much consolation to enthusiasts for the loss of the 3 Speed. I saw a video online featuring a Mazda employee that pretty much indicated they wouldn't and perhaps couldn't do a 3Speed in this iteration of the 3. It held out hope for a 6Speed, though.

I'm a bit curious of the cause for the delay in the 2.5 manual. Perhaps they couldn't get the manual from the 6 to fit in the 3, or perhaps they're not satisfied with the 6's manual.

Thanks Evan. No, I don't have info saying the 2.5 will not have a stick later, but for now as you say, it does not. Interesting timing. Mazda just sent me a 2014 Mazda3 2.0 with the 6 speed (like ten minutes ago). I will ask about the take rate and possible stick in the bigger engine. First impression of the stick from a 5 minute drive - "Like butta."

I'm still loving my 2007 MS3 (just hit 55k miles yesterday). I won't even CONSIDER selling it unless Mazda comes out with a new Speed. The new generation looks SO much better than the last one (which looked like some freakish anime dream) and can't believe this isn't a hot topic for Mazda. People WANT this car. What's the hold up??? The options for sport wagons are almost 0 at this point (at least here in the US), so this would be a welcome addition.

Seriously? What a big mistake. It's really hard to believe that the sales numbers are not any better than that. If it is built to look fast, you WANT it to be fast. Back in September of 2012, we couldn't find a top-trim model to buy anywhere--the dealers checked, as well. Something must have been selling since none were left for September clearance. Now, I would definitely not buy one without the "speed3"---another gripe: how can other makers/models stake a claim of a "sporty" car, without having a manual transmission available??? Incredibly lame. I like top-trim models with leather, technology, etc., and a stick. Sad, sad, sad.

I bought my 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 GT on November 10th, 2007...still have it, and I'm creeping up on 70,000 miles (probably hit that next month). All but 19 of those miles have been enjoyable...and those were the 19 test drive miles that were on it before I test drove it and bought it!!

Tracked it at Laguna Seca 3 months after I bought it! Tracked it at Thunderhill Raceway in Northern California, Auto-X'd it in Stockton, and this still remains the best car I have ever owned in my life!!! With all this power, wrist-breaking Torque-Steer, AND the ability to slide a freekin' futon in the back? I'm beginning to think maybe I should return it to pure stock, and enshrine it somewhere safe!

Zoom-Zoom!

I have a 2009 Speed3 GT with 54,000 miles. Bought it new in late 2008. Still completely stock down to stock air filter and stock Panasonic battery today. This is the most fun car I've ever owned and the most useful. This car can handle freeway on-ramp battles, twisted hairpin mountain roads, and Home Depot trips without complain. It's been well cared for all these years and still pulls like a runaway train. I hope the Speed3 don't go the way of the late RX7. If this is farewell and final goodbye, then the affordable hot hatch market will miss something truly special. Even the current Ford Focus ST can't replace the rawness of the Speed3 experience. Like the other commenter above, I might have to turn my Speed3 into a garage queen if this is the last performance car from Mazda.

My wife is actually on her 2nd Mazda 3 2.5L and loves it. I get to steal it every once in a while and it is wicked fast compared to my Ford Ranger. I tried talking her into the Speed both times we were at the dealership but all she saw was the extra $3000 price.

I just helped my mom buy a new CX-5. I would be at the dealership today buying a Mazdaspeed CX-5 if they offered it. My Ranger is getting old, and I'm holding out for the new Colorado/Canyon or a Jeep GC.

I have a 2007 Speed 3 Grand Touring. It is truly a fantastic car. Super practical, reliable , AND really fun to drive. The car is a real sleeper, and what a joy it is to surprise drivers of other cars who have no idea about the Spped 3. I have a MazdaSpeed cold air intake in the car and the change was tremendous, (remember- turbos love cold air). The new 5 door Mazda 3 is simply gorgeous. That car, as a Speed 3, with manual transmission, and all wheel drive is what I am dreaming Mazda will make. And please, sunroof as an option, as the weight, complexity, and unreliability of a sunroof do not make it desirable.

I've driven quite a few Mazda 3's and generally like them; but I've always liked the Mazdaspeed 3, at least the original, because it looks almost exactly like the regular car. Everybody who tarts it up to look fast is doing it wrong - the MS3 is the ideal Q-car, an honest stealth bomber for real enthusiasts. If I'm ever in the market for a hot hatch, a debadged MS3 with stock 3 wheels sounds awfully tempting. I rented a third gen 3 and found it to be surprisingly improved over the last models - it would be a shame if Mazda didn't bring out another hot version. And no paddle shifters! Manual ftw. Just my .02¢.

My 2012 S3 which I love(d) just blew its transmission at 58,875 miles. In the shop for two weeks now and they still can't locate a replacement tranny. Since it's still under the PT warranty, I have a feeling they're going to have to give me a new car (no current Mazda would be an acceptable replacement) or give me the full purchase price back (which I'd probably use to find something closer in performance). Under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers are required to have replacement parts for 7 years after first production (10 in California). Just a heads up to any of you out there with newer S3's that are approaching the end of the PT warranty. And much as I like it, I wouldn't buy a used one since you can't get the parts.

I have a 2012 S3 which I love(d). Blown tranny at 58,875 miles. In dealer shop for almost 2 weeks, and they can't locate a replacement tranny. Under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, if they can't find one in 30 days, they have to either replace the car (no suitable Mazda replacement) or give me my full purchase price back since it's still under the PT warranty. Love the car, but wouldn't by a used one since you can't get major replacement parts for it. Under the act, the manufacturer is required to be able to supply replacement parts for any vehicle for 7 years after its initial production (10 in California).

They found a tranny that's being shipped from Mazda Canada. Gave me a loaner at least. Just hope nothing major happens once the PT warranty is up.