The MP3 was hatched when Mazda decided to build a factory import tuner car. They used parts that would usually be installed by aftermarket tuners, but did it at the factory. The handling is truly amazing... only the 140 HP was not. The MazdaSpeed Protege, made later, was the same suspension parts, but with a turbocharged engine.
Here's a MotorTrend article on the MP3:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0109_mp3/
And a page from R&T where they compared the MP3 to the 911 Turbo, Ferrari 360, Lotus Elise, BMW M3, Z06 Corvette, Boxster S and the Lancer Evo... In the slalom test the MP3 tied the 911 Turbo for second beating all the cars but the Lotus.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=7&article_id=221&page_number=9
I'm truly impressed with the Mazda 3. We got the S with a 5 speed. 0-60 in 7.4 seconds vs the MP3's 8.9 seconds is a huge improvement! It feels very refined compared to the previous car. It's much quieter with standard features like steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescoping wheel, a greatly refined interior, and 160 HP. My wife and I independently came to the conclusion that it reminded us of our Audi A4.
This is what our car looks like... for under $18K out the door, we couldn't be more pleased.
