Mazda Europe has announced that the next generation Mazda3 MPS will be making its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, an event that will mark the humble hatchback’s return to the top of Mazda’s performance lineup.
Appropriately vague specs have also been released, and fans of the previous 3 MPS will be pleased to note that the 2.3 litre turbocharged MZR inline-four that powered the old model will be making a reappearance under the new MPS’s be-scooped bonnet.
That’s not to say it’s entirely unchanged, for the revamped mill will slurp less fuel and be Euro V emissions-compliant. We’re guessing a new tune and some other subtle changes will see mild gains in power and torque too, while recent spy shots of a development mule on the Nurburgring suggest that the suspension set-up will be more capable than ever.
The 2009 Mazda3 MPS will sit at the top of Mazda’s high-performance range and will, like its predecessor, be faster and more powerful than both the MX-5 and RX-8.
So, when will we get to see more of Mazda’s hottest of hatches? Well, while Geneva has been officially announced as the 2009 Mazda3 MPS’s first port of call, there’s whisperings afoot that us Southerners will be treated to a simultaneous reveal at the Melbourne Motor Show on March 3.
Until then, feast your eyes on the first batch of official pics and the brief teaser video below.
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Thats one hot hatch!
Snobbad. Was hoping for some driveline upgrades, but by all accounts the old motor was a ripper anyway. Here’s hoping the new chassis can make better use of it…
Damn, looks sweet-as! Oh well for me it was always between the ralliart and the MPS
The only question I have for the MPS…IS IT AWD??
MPS = Great engine, but being FWD, it’s all a little bit crazy if you ask me!
There is a strong Peugeot influence in the front end styling, especially in the way the front bumper juts out. The rear looks like a smaller update from the previous model.
It would be good to see more of it to see how it looks from other angles and eventually in the flesh.
It’s good to see they’ve continued with this model.
Now where’s the RX8 MPS! It still strikes me as odd that Mazda’s performance line up is headed up by their hot hatch rather than a halo model Sports car.
God help us that bonnet is horrible.
…works in mysterious ways…
I think the bonnet’s the best thing about it. I love it.
I feel this debate is heading towards the same place as Subaru a few years back, MY06… people are either just going to love it or hate it
My understanding is that the MPS3 is still FWD.
Make that RX8 MPS and MX5 MPS…
Absolutely stunning, a strong contender to the new STi, love the bonnet but FWD is a shame, chuck in the old Mazda 6 MPS drivetrain and your looking at one hot hatch!