FLYING THE FLAG as the sole remaining MPS model in Australia, the new Mazda3 MPS takes the formula established by its predecessor but with a few added tweaks to improve the driving experience.
Mazda’s engineers have left the engine and its outputs relatively untouched, instead focusing on developing the chassis for a sharper drive. However torque delivery and fuel economy have also been improved.
The new contender is powered by a revised version of the outgoing model’s MZR 2.3 litre DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine, which uses direct injection and turbocharging to generate 190kW @ 5500rpm and 380Nm of torque @ 3000rpm.
The 0-100km/h run is done away with in a brisk 6.1 seconds, with top speed a heady 250km/h.
Mazda’s clever boost-control system has been further evolved for the new generation MPS, with the torque curve being carefully modulated to improve power delivery and acceleration.
The 3’s six-speed manual has been upgraded too, with low-viscosity oil and triple-cone synchros on the first three gears improving shift feel.
Gear ratios have also been spaced out more, allowing drivers to make better use of the blown four-pot’s wide torque band.
Two versions of the MPS are available, with the standard MPS starting from $39,690.
Standard equipment includes keyless entry and start, dual zone climate control, six-disc CD changer, 4.1 inch colour display for audio and navigation plus eight-way power adjustable drivers seat with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.
Also available is a Luxury version, starting from $43,290, which adds bi-xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System and auto on/off. Rain sensing wipers and a ten-speaker Bose audio system with subwoofer are also part of the package.
Outside, the MPS wears 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/40 Dunlop tyres, fog lamps, LED tail lamps, indicator repeaters in the mirrors, and a unique styling package incorporating a rear spoiler, unique bumpers and sills, plus an integrated bonnet scoop to feed fresh air into the intercooler.
The 3’s body has been reinforced in several key areas for the MPS, with the centre tunnel and cowl member getting added gussets to increase rigidity.
Swaybars are now thicker, bushings harder and spring and damper rates stiffer, making the 2009 Mazda3 MPS an even sharper steer than before.
Big 320mm brake rotors on the front and 280mm discs on the rear haul the MPS up in a hurry, while electronic brake assist is now standard
To increase the Mazda3 MPS’s touring range, average fuel economy has dropped to 9.9l/100km while fuel tank capacity grows to 60 litres.
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If the last Mazda 3 was anything to go on, this thing will be a blast.
Will be interesting to see how this model does at Targa
There was a review in last months Wheels Mag where John Carey’s words on the new Mazda 3MPS were inspiring to say the least. However, I think that most car reviewers don’t often spend a large part of their lives behind the wheel of any particular car for great lengths of time, so I’m a disbeliever when it comes to his emphasis on prodding the public that the Gen2 is more desirable than the Gen1.
I owned & loved my Gen1 2007 3 MPS. When I had it, it was a bl00dy bullet, but it was flawed. While the 2.3ltr is a grunty bit of kit, but the Gen2 shares the same DNA - a true disappointment (apart from the fact that we were all praying for a 2.5ltr with Revoknuckle, anything like the FocusRS). The stock 2.3ltr has been prone to popping rods later in life, engine mounts, blown turbos (eg. Targa), the list goes on. Also, the 3MPS isn’t a modders dream, and it’s certainly not in the league of the direct competition Lancer Rallyart or WRX. If we’ve learnt anything from the US, its best not to mod the 3MPS at all – leave it stock and sell before the warranty expires!
Also, Mazda had us all drooling over the 3MPS Extreme, but has ended up producing something similar to that of a Peugeot 307 with WRX bonnet scoop (and only 1 extra kW). I often wonder if Laurens Van den Acker did this to get some Euro experience on his CV before making the jump. And then there’s the common feel in the MPS community (www.ozmpsclub.com) that the Gen2 front is ugly, similar to the abomination Subaru settled into with the current Impreza.
From what I’ve seen of the new interior styling, its also disappointing. Gone is the stylish raw Gen1, and we’ve ended with a Mazda6 in the Gen2. The interior seems to be catering for the 40 year olds and beyond, totally skipping the 25-35 year old hot-rod generation. It’s a cop out and if we wanted Mazda 6 styling, then we’d go buy Mazda 6’s.
I honestly think Mazda haven’t done themselves any favours with the Gen2 full stop. If anything, they’ve lost a bundle of Gen1 fans like me. The bottom line with the Gen2 is that it proves Mazda still doesn’t have a clue about producing a true sports car. The Gen1 was the start of something brilliant, but the Gen2 is still flawed, the bonnet scoop will attract the police, its ugly (IMO black seems to be the only colour to go for as it hides the ugly front), and the interior is butchered from some horror Mazda6 movie.
Hopefully they’ve fixed the suspension rattles, the bending rods, leaky smoking turbo seals, seat buckle squeaks, “dash rattles”, and the engine mounts (I have bets on another engine bolt/mount recall).
While I had my my MPS over an 18month period, it ended up being in and out of Mazda Service centres for warranty claims more than I drove it, so it’ll be interesting to see if anything has changed with the Gen2. I may take one for a test drive later this year and have a play, but my money is on either an Evo X or Subie STi as my next upgrade, especially when reliability counts in my books.
LOL, fuel economy improved to 9.9L/100km from 10.0L/100km. Why would you even bother?! To me that shows there is hardly any difference to the old engine. The improvement would then be due to the change in final drive ratio so it doesn’t have to rev as high at 100km/h etc. Sounds like the gearbox hasn’t changed much either as it already had the tripple synchros in the first 3 gears. Will be interesting to see how differently it drives to the old one.
Wardski I’ve had a Mazda 3 sedan Maxx Sport since 2006 and it’s run faultlessly since I purchased it brand new. I’ve experienced none of the issues you have mentioned and it’s still whisper quiet and tight as it was the day I bought it. If what you say is true of the MPS it’s a real shame. Are the bent rods on standard cars or modified? If standard that is unacceptable. If modified it’s not surprising as these new turbo engines run a really high compression ratio which despite what anyone says (unless it’s diesel) is a bad thing. I know why they do it, high compression ratio = lower emissions and better fuel economy, But the down side is turn the wick up on boost and “bang” comes sooner rather than later. Even when FPV turned up the boost on the latest FG F6 they dropped compression ratio further down to 8.5:1. Look at any forged stroker kit for any engine and there is always a N/A and F/I version. The forced induced kit always with the lower compression pistons. They do this for a reason.
I’ve driven it and let me tell you it is chalk and cheese with the old one. Styling is a subjective thing so we wont go there, but saying the interior is butchered from a Mazda6 horror movie is taking things a bit far. This car is an awesome drive and makes the Gen1 feel old and outdated.
The MPS Extreme was just a standard MPS dropped a little bit with some CPU fettling and an upgraded exhaust to bring power up to 210kw. It was never meant as a production car and was just a little fun.
Wardski, I suggest you drive the new one before coming to your final conclusion - you will be pleasantly surprised.
imo, too much torque for a FF car. TCS off its fun if you enjoy torque steer, tcs on and there goes all the fun..
Everyone has an opinion Buffy. I’ve driven the new SP25, and I was pleasantly unimpressed. The SP25 body roll was worse than the old one, and if I was to gauge how the new MPS is going to go, then this is pretty much the same chalk n cheeze you’re speaking of.
Then again, I haven’t driven “it”, but I have already come to the conclusion that I wouldnt want to be seen in it :-p
In anycase, after my disappointment in the SP25, I proceded to upgrade to an MY09 Subaru STi Spec R. Now thats a car thats brought a smile to my face..
^^ you should have bought an evo
looks good!
Buffy, at what dealership did you test drive this car?
Great looking car and very impressive of Mazda being able to produce a car like the MPS 3 and sell it for the low price they ask.
Wardski - everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion and the STi is an awesome car. I’m sure you will have heaps of fun
Matt - I work at a Mazda dealership in Melb. We took delivery of our first MPS yesterday and was lucky enough to take it home and have a drive. All I can say is WOW!
just seen about 10 in the flesh at the qld show, to be honest, probably one of the worst looking new cars i’ve ever seen… the front is hideous, and that rear spoiler looks like something off an old corolla..
very disapointed in looks..
……………. ugly as a box of frogs !!!!