Mazdaspeed 3 2013 ride feel
 

First off I am a new member here, but have owned Mazda vehicles for a long time dating back to one of the very first Mazda RX7's to be imported into the US in 1979. I drove an MX3 for years and loved that little V6.

When I retired the MX3, I wanted another Mazda Hatchback but sadly in 2000 they had nothing sporty in their lineup in a hatchback, so I bought a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Now that I am about to part with that car (good riddance), I am again looking at Mazda.

On Saturday I drove a 2013 MazdaSpeed 3 and fell in love with the engine. But, (you just knew there was a "but" coming right?) the ride was really harsh. Now before any of you jump all over me, yes I know the ride is SUPPOSED to be stiff to facilitate the better handling. I get that. But on the expressway every tar strip was transmitted and amplified into the seats of the car. So much so that on long trips it would be fatiguing. Hell it was fatiguing on my 15 minutes of x-way driving during my test drive. So now my question is this, can anything be done to lessen that harshness, knowing I'll also be giving up some of the handling performance? Would a change in tires and/or struts help? I'm willing to throw some $$ at the issue just to have that engine and look of the Speed3, if I can make the ride more comfortable on long trips.

Otherwise I may have to go with the regular Mazda3 and give up that sweet engine and better looks.

Thanks,
Gary