So I got to spend last week out at Laguna Seca raceway in Monterey test driving the full line of Mazda vehicles. Got to push the MX-5 (formerly known as the Miata), and the RX-8 on a road course... that review coming tomorrow... and got to take the Speed3 for a few spins around the track.

And if you're not familiar with the Speed3 and what it's all about, lemme give you a quick rundown. The regular Mazda 3 comes equipped with either a 2.0L 148-HP or 2.5L 167-HP, 16-valve 4-cylander power plant. The Speed3? They bolt a 2.3L Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) Turbocharged 4-cylander into this thing that puts out 263 horses, while only adding about 40 lbs to the curb weight. The effect is like strapping a rocket onto a roller skate. This little 3 wants to fly.

And while I'm not a fan of the 5-door look (a little too "tuner car" for my taste), this version of the Speed3 isn't just all balls and no refinement. Besides the exterior additions of an aggressive front end grille with an air intake on the hood and large top spoiler on the back, the interior is similar to the regular 4- and 5-door 3s, with a few race inspired touches: sport seats, aluminum pedals, red stitching on all leather. And the ride is much better than you'd expect in a small sport-tuned car.

I drove it against the RX-8 on the winding mountain roads, and where the 8 was powerful, stiff and tight, the 3 was fast, smooth, and nimble. Think of it as a sports compact for those who want the fun of great engine performance and handling, balanced with the refinement of an everyday driver.

And there is refinement. In the Speed3 you get available keyless entry and push button start, premium BOSE Centerpoint 10 speaker surround sound system, special welcome lighting, active headrests for safety, full-color nav system, and a perimeter alarm to keep prying hands off.

The entry fee to ride this ride? $23,195 to start. A whole lotta bang for the buck. Now I just need to talk them into making it in the 4-door version...