looking for a small hatchback
The answer to "would you buy a Mazdaspeed 2" is still: hellmuthafkinyesmakeitalreadyiwantitsotakemymoneynow!!!
Update to some prior discussion on this thread, the 2015 Mazda3 will be available with 2.5 + manual.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123840442
Yep, still gonna say no to a MS2. For the expected price (~Fiesta ST) you can get a decently loaded 3 with more power, more torque, better fuel economy, more interior space, and more features. Assuming the MS2 weight would be similar to the current Touring (not likely), it'd need ~130 hp to match the power/weight ratio of a 3i (similarly priced) or ~145 hp to match the 3s ($1-2K) more. This is using specs for the 3 sedan but it's worth noting that using the 3 hatch specs would result in a more favorable conclusion for the 2.
Yep, still gonna say no to a MS2. For the expected price (~Fiesta ST) you can get a decently loaded 3 with more power, more torque, better fuel economy, more interior space, and more features. Assuming the MS2 weight would be similar to the current Touring (not likely), it'd need ~130 hp to match the power/weight ratio of a 3i (similarly priced) or ~145 hp to match the 3s ($1-2K) more. This is using specs for the 3 sedan but it's worth noting that using the 3 hatch specs would result in a more favorable conclusion for the 2.