The Mazda3 MPS is back after a two-year hiatus. The Mazda3 flagship still uses the same 2.3-litre DISI turbo engine that churns out 190kW at 5500rpm and maximum torque of 380Nm at 3000rpm. Its mate is a 6-speed manual gearbox. Mazda says the car, meant to be a GTI/ ST/ R26 slayer in its previous life, is now more driveable thanks to longer 2nd and 5th gear ratios that take advantage of the massive torque. Certainly the MPS is the most powerful hatchback tool in its class by far if you exclude the Europe-stuck Focus RS.
Performance is claimed to be brisk with a 0 – 100km/h time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. Combined fuel consumption is said to be 9.6 on the Euro cycle while C02 emissions are slightly on the high side at 224g/km.
How different is it from the previous car? Well apart from the fact that it’s based on the new-generation 3, it also has the most striking feature in the bonnet air scoop. Function follows form as far as this apparatus is concerned since its primary job is to improve air cooling. Additionally it has a metallic black smiling face, flared front fenders, sculptured side skirts, larger dual exhaust tailpipes on either side of the rear bumper and a large roof-mounted rear wing point to a car whose purpose is performance. Interestingly Mazda has stayed away from the ever-popular air diffuser adopted by the MPS’ main rivals like the GTI. All in all it looks like the subtlety card played by the previous car yielded no street cred for 3, hence the new uncompromising look.
The car runs on new 18 x 7.5-inch forged aluminium wheels with wide tyres. You’ll need the width for maximum grip since this thing is front-wheel-driven. Torque steer is said to be minimal but we’ll have to assess that ourselves given how much power and torque the front tyres have to plant down.
Inside the dominant force is black which is peppered with red. The sporty seats are black, stitched with red. This same combo is found on the sides of the doors, the centre armrest, the steering wheel and the gear lever leather boot. For those who want to feel like they really are inside a sports car a new LED turbo boost gauge is available for regular glances.
The standard goodie bag consists of: smart keyless entry, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, an auto dimming interior mirror, a trip computer, 7-speaker BOSE sound system with a 6-CD in-dash changer with MP3 compatibility and steering controls.
The MPS comes standard with a 4-year/120 000km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty, the Mazda Motion 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan and a 3-year roadside assistance plan.
For the price of R310 000 you can have all this.
