Mazda 3 MPS
Coming this October is the new Mazda3 MPS, which is one of the hottest hatches that money can buy. It might seem like a bit of a leftfield choice, but this is a serious machine packing a 2.3 litre turbocharged engine that generates 260ps 380Nm of torque. The acceleration is certainly a talking point, with 62 being reached in only 6.1 seconds.
There’s an interesting new bodykit on the 3 MPS, which should appeal to the crowd that have an interest in the hot hatch segment. Whilst this may put some off, I actually think that it does the car justice. It’s almost like the demon child of a Subaru Impreza and a Toyota Celica, what with that curved around front end.
“Our latest Mazda3 MPS is a strikingly bold design, more dynamic looking, more aggressive and more assertive than ever before,” comments Mark Cameron, Sales & Marketing Director, Mazda Motors UK. “The new bonnet air-intake, new-style 18-inch alloy wheels and larger rear spoiler create the muscular, athletic look of a sprinter. Delivering sensationally spirited performance, the new Mazda3 MPS puts the heat back into the hot-hatch sector with ‘stand out’ looks that put rivals in the shade and it boasts exquisite handling and incredible dynamics.
“Typical of Mazda’s engineering ethos, the new Mazda3 MPS is a very complete package – not just in terms of its enhanced powertrain and chassis upgrades, but also with regard to its very high level of standard equipment. And alongside sensational performance it will of course retain the accessibility, practicality, reliability and build quality of its sister models,” adds Cameron.
The all-new Mazda3 MPS is being marketed in the UK as a single, generously specified and lavishly equipped model, priced at £21,500 (on the road) including mica or metallic paint finish. The unique MPS body styling – featuring aggressive bonnet air scoop, special front wings, new grille, new bumpers and deeper sills, plus a larger rear wing – adds 20mm to the length of the regular Sport model.
Do I want one? Absolutely. Look out for more posts in the future, this is one that I definitely want to get a test drive of!
I really like mazda when it comes to their handling and the availability of their car parts. And not to mention that the price is just enough.
The problem with the MPS series is that due to their relative rarity they’ve always been quite expensive. Even now with some used models on the market, there’s no way I’d find out in my price range… Guess I’d better keep saving.