New Mazda3 MPS On Track For 2016 Debut: Report

Mazda is preparing to bring back the Mazda3 MPS hot hatch in 2016, if reports in a Japanese magazine are to be believed.

According to Holiday Auto, the new MPS will feature a turbocharged version of the SkyActiv 2.5 litre inline four producing around 220kW, while power will be taken to all four wheels for the first time in the Mazda3's history.

Mazda has long dismissed the idea of re-introducing turbochargers to its petrol engine line up, instead preferring to keep refining its naturally-aspirated SkyActiv engines in its pursuit of greater efficiency.

And while the ultra-high compression ratios and lean-burn characteristics of Mazda's SkyActiv petrol engines make turbocharging difficult Holiday Auto's un-named source claims the Hiroshima-based company has managed to make it work.

Though the rumours are still unconfirmed, the prospect that Mazda could be bringing back the Mazda3 MPS will no doubt bring a smile to many fans of the brand.

Fans who have seen the number of sporty offerings from Mazda whittled down to just one in recent times - the MX-5.