Mazdaspeed3: 263-hp turbo hatchback, generations and specs

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

The MAZDASPEED3 is a turbocharged hot hatchback Mazda sold in the U.S. for the 2007 through 2013 model years. Both generations use a 2.3L DISI turbo four rated 263 hp and 280 lb-ft, a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential. Mazda called it the most powerful front-drive performance car under $25,000.

Type: Five-door compact hatchback
Powertrains: MAZDASPEED3 (2013) · 263 hp
Current generation: Second generation, 2010–2013

Mazdaspeed3 engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA lists premium fuel. The 2007 car is rated 18/26/21 mpg in EPA data.

Mazdaspeed3 powertrains with Mazda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
Version	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Drive	EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
MAZDASPEED3 (2013)	MZR 2.3L DISI turbocharged four-cylinder (263 hp at 5,500 rpm, 280 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm)[1][2][3]	263	280	6-speed manual	Front-wheel drive, limited-slip differential	18/25/212013 MY[3]

Output is as rated by Mazda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Taming 280 lb-ft through the front wheels

To put 280 lb-ft through the front wheels, Mazda electronically limits torque in first through third gears, links torque control to steering angle and balances the stiffness of the left and right drive shafts. A limited-slip differential is standard.[2][4]

The 2.3L DISI turbo

The MZR 2.3L uses direct injection (DISI, direct-injection spark ignition), which Mazda says lets it run a higher compression ratio and gain roughly 10 percent torque over a conventional turbo engine. A related 2.3L turbo also powered the MAZDASPEED6 and the CX-7.[2][5]

Mazdaspeed3 generations by year

Every US Mazdaspeed3 generation with model years and engines, newest first
Generation	US model years	Engines	Notes
Second generation	2010–2013	MZR 2.3L DISI turbo, 263 hp / 280 lb-ft, 6-speed manual	Based on the second-generation Mazda3 5-Door. Mazda kept the engine output but made 2nd through 5th gears slightly taller and recalibrated the torque management that limits torque steer by gear and steering angle.[4][1][5][3]
First generation	2007–2009	MZR 2.3L DISI turbo, 263 hp / 280 lb-ft, 6-speed manual	Introduced in 2007 on the first-generation Mazda3 5-door, with a newly developed limited-slip differential and electronic torque control in the lower gears.[2][5][6]

More Mazdaspeed3 research

See how a Mazdaspeed3 was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Mazdaspeed3 made?

It was sold in the U.S. for the 2007 through 2013 model years, in two generations (2007–2009 and 2010–2013).

How much horsepower does a Mazdaspeed3 have?

263 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm from its 2.3L turbo, unchanged across both generations.

Did the Mazdaspeed3 come with an automatic?

No. It was offered only with a six-speed manual.

What mpg does a Mazdaspeed3 get?

The EPA rates the 2013 MAZDASPEED3 at 18 city, 25 highway and 21 combined, on premium fuel.

Is the Mazdaspeed3 AWD?

No. It is front-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Mazda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

2012 MAZDASPEED3 overview — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
2007 MAZDASPEED3 press release — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
2013 Mazda Speed 3 fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
2010 MAZDASPEED3 press release — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
Mazda US History timeline — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
2007 Mazda3 (incl. MAZDASPEED3) fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)

More Mazda tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.