The Mazda Speed 3 is apparently ruined by torque steer and isn't a match on the Focus ST for poise and handling (I've not driven either so that's based on reviews I've read). In standard spec though, other than cheapish looking trim, I would agree that the Mazda 3 is a great little car.
My mother has a Focus and I'd say it has diddlying awful torque steer. It's a brilliant car.... absolutely perfect for her, it's nippy, looks fantastic... smooth, quiet and all that jazz... very nice car but when I drive it and give it a bit of a kicking at the lights it torque steers badly. I'm used to a heavy I6 RWD, though but my missus has a FWD car, though it is a 3.6L V6 and it has very little torque steer... barely noticeable. My mother's Focus, on the other hand' will track across the road if left uncorrected under power.
I really like that car because I found it for her. I did all the leg work, organised the test drive and check-over and got her a frigging brilliant price for a high-end Focus with low Ks, so I've taken more interest in it than I otherwise would have. It's not a car that I would like to drive but for what it is, it's fantastic.
To the Mazda 3, if the Focus is considered a standard in poise off the line I would be very suspicious of the Mazda... I would be unhappy with the Focus if it were any worse it that area. Infact, I consider its torque steering habbits as the only downfall in otherwise outstanding small car.
