New MS3 could be AWD?

"POD" (podimus)
10/23/2013 at 17:08 • Filed to: AWD Mazdaspeed3

When did this happen? How did I miss it?

This is about the only thing that could get me to consider trading in my current MS3. Although the price would certainly be an issue. As well as finding more out about the AWD system. I've read horror storries of the differentials on the MS6 breaking.

DISCUSSION (30)

ddavidn > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:10

Then I'll want one so much more...

RMudkips > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:13

Now rally it! With a rotary!

I'm asking for too much.

exizeo - still loving fourza > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:13

AWD, front heavy hot hatch...YES.

It could be that Audi RS3 I've always wanted. Or M135i Xdrive.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:17

I've always had trouble considering the MS3 with the WRX so close in price. This would certainly change things.

They call me the Beav > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:18

Idk, the MS6 had notorious reliability issues as the result of the AWD. Plus the FWD-ness of the current gen makes it a blast to drive. AWD might be a bad choice. And it'd then have to compete in a totally different class, with WRXs and such. In my opinion, it's the best FWD hot hatch on the market at the moment.

Brian, The Life of > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:21

But ... But ... We were told there'd be massive torque steer!

Chairman Kaga > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:21

Maybe I'm too cynical, but I'll be somewhat surprised if there's a new MS3 at all.

POD > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
10/23/2013 at 17:22

In Canada they are not as close. The WRX is almost $3500 more. It makes the Speed3 a lot more attactive. Now, if they do go AWD, and it pushes the cost into the WRX territory (for me anyway) then things get a bit tougher. The WRX is also a lot more to insure. About $500 per year more for full coverage (last I checked anyway).

ddavidn > RMudkips
10/23/2013 at 17:23

Well, at least you're in good company. Rally was my first thought.

POD > They call me the Beav
10/23/2013 at 17:23

Oh, I love my MS3. It's a smile inducing monster!! I'm in the snow belt though and AWD would be an appealing option.

POD > Brian, The Life of
10/23/2013 at 17:24

2013's are still available. 0% financing too!

POD > Chairman Kaga
10/23/2013 at 17:25

No, I don't think you are being too cynical. I was a little surprsied there was a 2013. I was expecting 2012 to be the last year. I'm happy I was wrong.

POD > ddavidn
10/23/2013 at 17:26

Me too.

Is it just me, or does the MS3 render of the 2014 look way better than the base 2014 Mazda3?

Anon > They call me the Beav
10/23/2013 at 17:26

Well AWD technology has evolved a lot in the past couple years.

ddavidn > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:32

Of course it does!

POD > Anon
10/23/2013 at 17:33

Yes, very true. This is why I'd need to know more on the proposed AWD system. If Mazda does go AWD, I'm hoping they have updated the system to handle at least 300 horse and 300 torque with no trouble.

Chairman Kaga > POD
10/23/2013 at 17:48

And let's be clear - if there is a new new one, there's a solid probability it will be my next car. So I hope I'm wrong too.

POD > exizeo - still loving fourza
10/23/2013 at 17:48

With some aftermarket tuning you could probably get that 2.3l MZR motor (if they stick with it) to A45 AMG levels.

POD > Chairman Kaga
10/23/2013 at 17:49

My wife is looking to get ride of her AWD Tuscon and learn to drive a standard transmission. If the new one is AWD, I know what I'll be pushing her to buy...

Chairman Kaga > POD
10/23/2013 at 18:01

Good luck! My wife's learn to drive stick lessons lasted all of four trips to the grocery story and ended with a terrified breakdown on the interstate.

Casper > POD
10/23/2013 at 18:10

I think I would wait and see. I wouldn't want to be an early adopter for a Mazda AWD system if the Speed 6 was any indication. There were a lot of guys that ran out and got them and declared them Mazda's friendlier STI/Evo. Then one by one they all broke down. Some broke in autocross events, others broke even being driven nicely.

I'm sure they learned a lot from that episode, but Mazda has a bad habit of having to relearn lessons they should already know.

POD > Casper
10/23/2013 at 18:13

True. I would look at a 2016 Mazda does do a AWD MS3.

LuczOr > POD
10/23/2013 at 18:32

I'm not even remotely surprised by this and here is why. Right now, you can buy a mazdaspeed3 with 263hp for $24,200. The next generation of mazda3 S GT with 184hp is $26,500. If they were to make another FWD mazdaspeed3, it would have to be $29,000 or so, and who the hell is going to pay $29k for a goddamn FWD hatchback? (except for some GTI or Honda fanboys). The ONLY way the speed3 would make a return is in an AWD configuration.

efme > POD
10/23/2013 at 18:38

I had a ms6. It definitely was apparent that some had breaking diff bolt issues but I never had any. The problem with the system was it couldn't compete with "smarter" and systems from mitsubishi or subaru. The only issues I had was a front diff seal leaking that was covered under warranty.

Simply put, they didn't over build it to handle the power the engine could make with aftermarket parts.

POD > efme
10/23/2013 at 18:54

My hope is that if they do go AWD they will overbuild it. To the 300-350 horse and torque range.

POD > LuczOr
10/23/2013 at 18:56

Canada.

Canadian MS3 starts at $29, 990. WRX is several thousand more.

I agree with you for the US market though.

LuczOr > POD
10/24/2013 at 11:13

WOW, screw Canadian auto prices.

POD > LuczOr
10/24/2013 at 13:07

Yea. It's bad. $3000-$10, 000+ more isn't uncommon.

LuczOr > POD
10/24/2013 at 15:58

Another reason for me to never move to Canada.

POD > LuczOr
10/24/2013 at 16:01

Outside of the cost of luxury goods, I greatly perfer it to when I lived in the States.