Mazda3 MPS: New Look, Same Engine

Motoring Channel Staff - 4/March/2009

Geneva, Switzerland – One of the most potent Japanese hot hatches ever built, the Mazda3 MPS, has finally been given an update.

After being teased with a handful of new images, we now have the full technical specs on the new model direct from Geneva, not to mention news on the Mazda's face-lifted CX-7 crossover vehicle.

Powered by a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine, the new Mazda3 MPS develops 191kW (260hp) and 380Nm of torque. 

Though still one of the fastest and most powerful hot hatches in its class, it's disappointing to see that the power output has only been increased by 1 kilowatt over the first generation model, while torque has remained the same.

It also uses the same 6-speed manual gearbox that was launched with the first generation model three years ago.

The full performance specs are as follows:

Power: 191kW @ 5500rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 3000rpm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds

Virtually nothing to do with the powertrain has changed, except for the fuel consumption figure dropping from 9.7 to 9.2L/100km. The new engine is a cleaner unit, with less emissions and Euro Stage V compliance.

Design

We were expecting a lot more mechanical changes from this new model, but the new design should be enough to convince current owners to upgrade.

Of course, the car looks completely different and this will be one its greatest assets.

The new model features a gaping hood scoop that signifies hardcore performance like few other design cues, and it's not just for show. It feeds the Mazda3 MPS's intercooler, to regulate the temperature of the air entering the engine. 

Most of the new design cues revolve around the obligatory body kit, including new side skirts, a deep front apron with a stylised lower air dam, plus a new rear apron with integrated twin exhausts and a roof-mounted spoiler. It also gains LED tail lamps have an inner lens, adding a sense of greater transparency when the lamps are not lit.

Big fat alloy wheels are also part of the MPS package and unlike the previous Mazda3 MPS, which was sometimes mistaken for the garden variety models, the new MPS wears its performance credentials on its sleeve for the world to see.

Mazda claims the new design results in improved aerodynamic performance. The large front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front under-spoiler help contribute to a drag co-efficient of just 0.32.

Chassis

The new 2009 Mazda3 MPS does get a few chassis tweaks though, which may improve its handling and traction capabilities. 

It's got a stiffer body overall and a suspension system with new shock absorbers that increase damping strength while improving roll stiffness.

Mazda's electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS) returns, which adjusts control in accordance with vehicle speed and steering angle and 'specially tuned' brakes are part of the package too.

The brakes discs are 320mm ventilated in the front and 280mm solid discs in the rear though Mazda didn't say what sort of calipers they are. We're guessing 4-piston jobs at the front. 

Mazda has used new-look 18-inch (18 x 7.5J) aluminium alloy wheels designed exclusively for the Mazda3 MPS. They use the same rotary design theme as the Mazda RX-8 wheels and are shod with Dunlop 225/40R18 tyres that are wider than on the previous model. 

These new tyres help deliver 'response with a more direct feel, and a stronger sense of oneness between the driver and car' says Mazda. 

Mazda explains that extensive high-speed test drives in the new generation MPS were conducted at Germany’s famed Nürburgring, the result being better response, greater stability and a flatter ride with fewer undulations, even when entering sharp curves or traversing wavy road surfaces.

Interior

Mazda says the dashboard of the new-generation Mazda3 MPS is designed to give a roomy feel at the front, and a new steering wheel looks good, covered with buttons and controls to increase the amount of time your hands stay on the wheel.

Along with a new-look instrument cluster, an LED turbo boost gauge is now positioned between the speedo and tacho. This shows you how much boost the turbo is generating and 'heightens the car's high-performance feel' according to Mazda.

Other features of the interior include 'semi-bucket front seats for a great fit and exceptional torso and thigh support'.

There's a black keynote colour employed throughout the interior, while the seats and trim fabric have an organic red graphic design which is exclusive to the MPS and is found throughout the interior. 

There's also red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, gear shifter and centre armrest.

Sitting alongside the Mazda3 MPS at the Palexpo centre in Geneva was the new-look Mazda CX-7.

This crossover vehicle gets a more upmarket look thanks to a larger five-point lower grille, framed in silver. Other changes to the CX-7's design include:

new front fog light bezels
chrome-plated garnish along the bottom of the doors
new rear bumper design with rear moulding and a larger roof spoiler
New 19-inch and 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels

Equipment levels have been improved as has the interior, with a new steering wheel, new instrument dials, plus a revised dashboard with integrated MID, or multi information display. This displays driver information, the rear view camera and satellite navigation.

Mazda's MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel with Euro Stage V compliance will also be offered, but it's not clear whether this will be offered to Australian buyers when the new model arrives here later in 2009.

This 2.2-litre diesel mill outputs 127kW @ 3500rpm and has maximum torque of 400Nm @ 2000rpm. It uses an average of 7.5 litres of fuel per 100km.

The 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine returns, which is the same engine used in the Mazda3 MPS. It has a maximum output of 191kW @ 5500rpm and 380Nm of torque @ 3000rpm when paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Changes to the Mazda CX-7's chassis have yielded a 5% increase in torsional rigidity for a further improvement in handling, while new shock absorbers realise smoother suspension strokes, for improved stability and ride comfort.

Top grades will also get new a lane-changing driver aid called the Rear Vehicle Monitoring system (RVM). It detects if a car is approaching from the right or left rear and warns the driver before he/she changes lanes.

Related Links:
- Mazda3 MPS (2010)
- Mazda6 MPS (Road Test)
- Mazda3 Hatch (2010)
- Mazda3 Sedan (2010)
- Mazda3 in Sydney (2010)
- Mazda RX-8 (2008)
- Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (Road Test)
- Mazda Kiyora Concept (2008)
- Mazda CX-9 (2008)
- Mazda6 (2008)
- Mazda2 (2008)