Powerful, sinister-looking, and quite a handful to drive. The Mazdaspeed3 proves it can still run with the fresh competition which has threatened its title as the best hot hatch on the market. With an all-new speed3 around the corner, its rivals better enjoy their current lead at the moment, as Mazda won’t go down without a fight.

Mazda’s first entry into the hot-hatch market was a strong competitor. It achieved the horsepower bragging rights and instantly became one of the quickest FWD sport compacts on the market. Just be sure you can live with the rather harsh ride, sub-par fuel economy, and general lack of refinement.