When it comes to hot hatches, the Mazdaspeed3 has been one of the best on the market, but Ford has never been far behind, and their 2013 Ford Focus ST could very well challenge Mazda’s new model. The reason we have high hopes for Ford’s latest model is because it’s turbocharged and has many improvements, so how does it compare?

We’ve come across an informative video review where we get to see a 2013 Ford Focus ST vs Mazdaspeed3, where the performance specs are compared to see which of the two has the edge. So let’s look at the all-important facts first.

A 2.0L Ecoboost engine powers the 2013 Ford Focus ST, which is able to produce 252 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.9 seconds. Compare this to the 2013 Mazdaspeed3, with its 2.4-liter engine producing 263 horsepower, although the acceleration is a little slower with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds.

The reason for this is because the Mazdaspeed3 weighs 3281 pounds, while the ST weighs in at 3223 pounds. The Mazdaspeed3 will achieve 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, compared to 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the ST.

The 2013 Mazdaspeed3 looks angry and aggressive, which is what a hot-hatch should be. The ST looks a little more reserved, although that larger grille looks as though it’s ready to suck up the road and spit it out the back.

Above we have side-by-side comparison figures of these two vehicles, along with an extensive video review below to see which out of the 2013 Ford Focus ST and Mazdaspeed3 comes out on top.

We are hearing that in some cases they will not work. Now some of you may think that this is not as dangerous as some of the other recalls that have taken place this year, but just imagine that you are traveling at speed on the highway and it starts to rain? What would happen if your windshield wipers would not come on, it would not be long before you find yourself in a nasty accident.

The 103,300 models affected is U.S. only, but globally the recall will affect 494,500 of these Japanese vehicles. Inside Line has learned from the NHTSA that Mazda will begin the recall on July 15, which will see the automaker fix the problem for free. To solve the issue all dealers need to do is add another ground harness on the wiper, as the current one may have been bent during installation.

OK, so we know that it is good that Mazda will resolve the issue for free, but is this really enough for drivers. Too many times have we had to put up with recalls of this nature, and we just have to go with it. The carmakers do not seem to understand that we have far more important things to do in your lives than head over to our car dealer to solve an issue due to incompetence.

It does seem that recalls of this nature is now becoming far more regular, or is it the fact that there is increased media coverage since the whole Toyota saga? When it comes to car recalls the Toyota pedal and brake issue makes others pale in comparison.

Some of the most recent recalls include a host of Chrysler models due to a steering wheel issue, an expanded Honda recall, as well as the Infiniti QX4 & Pathfinder and Ford F-150 trucks. The worrying this is, all these have happened within four months of each other. Going back to that Toyota recall that affected 12 million vehicles, the Japanese automaker recently one their case, which will certainly anger many owners. Why do you think there are more car recalls now, do you think that the likes of Honda, Toyota, GM, Ford etc are putting more importance on profit and not quality?

Thankfully U.S. News Rankings and Reviews have done all the work for you, and have listed five of what they believe to be the best in the price range. These ratings and scores are based on a number of variables, which take into account test drives, reviews and much more.

Number five on the list is the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse, and it is a known fact that the styling gives it an aggressive look, one that the performance is unable to match. The overall score for this car is 7.4.

In fourth place we have the 2011 Mazda RX-8, we have seen over the years that although this car looks nice and has that unique engine, poor fuel-efficiency seems to let it down. The score for this car is 8.2.

The top three vehicles are the 2011 Nissan 370Z, 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which scored 8.3, 8.5 and 8.7 respectively. Do you have any of these five models, do you agree with the list? Should any other model be considered? If money is no object then this list of the fastest sports cars might be right up your street?

While the prospect of big yellow spiders under your hood whilst driving is scary enough, the critters pose a serious health risk, as they could clog up the ventilation system in the engine, which could lead to a potential fire hazard, according to Reuters.

The recall affects the Mazda6 models with 2.5 litre engines which were built between April 2008 and February 2010. However, even if you own a newer Mazda6 model, you should still get your engine checked out to see if Yellow Sac Spider webs are present.

Apparently, these spiders love the smell of fuel, although experts are puzzled as to why they are choosing to live in Mazda6 models, rather than any other Mazda model. Twenty infestations have been reported, but no fires have been confirmed as of yet. We should inform you though, that while these spiders are common in the US, their venom is still poisonous.

Mazda will fix the situation by installing all recalled cars with a spring, which will prevent the spider from entering the motor. You should contact your nearest Mazda dealer for further information.

Do you own a Mazda6? Let us know your thoughts on this unusual recall.

Not a day goes by without a parent having to face the fact their child has grown up and is time for them to go out in the big wide world, and the biggest step is getting their first car. In your eyes that vehicle will be carrying something very valuable to you, which you have loved and nurtured, so it is your duty to make certain that they choose a safe car.

Suite101 has chosen four cars, which they believe to be the best choice for teenagers. These are the 2011 Kia Forte, Ford Fiesta, Mazda 3 and the Honda Accord. You will notice something that all four models have in common, and that is size. Not only are they small, but they are also very affordable and safe at the same time. The Kia Forte has a five star rating for driver and impact safety; the Fiesta has a range of airbags to keep you safe.

The Mazda 3 seems to have the lot covered, with a number of airbags and ABS as standard. The Honda Accord is the smallest of the four, but that has not stopped it earning a crash rating of five stars.

Teenagers can be very crafty and would rather choose a fast sporty car, as Auto Industry points out. However, they seem to share the same idea as us and Suite101, saying that small is better. Their top car when it comes to staying safe is the Kia Soul, but would you agree?

What first car did you choose for your teenager?

Family cars are usually broken down into three categories, CUVs, sedans, and minivans, and Yahoo News has a few that could be for you. The first is the 2011 Toyota Sienna and is perfect for the smaller family. There is a choice of two engines, a 2.7-liter and a 3.5-liter; both are very smooth with the latter offering just a little more refinement.

The second model that Yahoo News suggests is the 2011 Mazda CX-9 CUV, and is said to have taken a few fun features from the MX-5 and the RX-8 – although you will have to look hard to find them. Steering is said to be agile, which does give it that smaller car feel – something that comes in handy when on a long journey with the kids in the back.

However, Insider Car Reviews has a more extensive list, with 10 of the best 2011 model family cars. Some of the different models include the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011 Ford Flex, 2011 Audi A3 amongst others. You will see by that list that sizes vary, but so do families.

We cannot tell you what is the best family car to buy in 2011, but we will tell you to take your time and make the right decision.

With the SKY-D expectations of 43 mpg on a motorway run, it would knock the Ford Fusion Hybrid off its current place as class leader in fuel economy. Meanwhile the SKY-G when mated to the new SKY-Drive six-speed auto-transmission will give 15 percent better fuel economy than the current petrol engines in use.

Mazda’s plan is to increase its fuel economy by 30 percent by 2015 and be able to offer affordable eco-friendly vehicles to its customers. With Mazda upping its game in the fuel economy market what will the other main players come up with? Follow the link to see Mazda’s full press release.

Source: AutoBlog