The upgraded Mazda3 MPS retains the previous model’s exceptionally responsive handling and performance, and highlights the stunning exterior design by sporting new gunmetal finish for the 18-inch alloy wheels, whilst the inner roof spoiler (beneath the unique MPS wing), door mirror housings and lower rear bumper trim are finished in a sleek Black Mica finish.
“Visual upgrades to the Mazda3 MPS compliment its strikingly bold design, which boasts a dynamic, aggressive and assertive look, that sets it apart from the rest of the Mazda3 line-up and encapsulate the ‘defy convention’ philosophy of our brand,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.
“Mazda3 MPS delivers a unique combination of exhilarating driving fun and everyday compact car practicality. Its distinctive bonnet air-intake, gunmetal 18-inch alloy wheels and large rear wing with the new inner spoiler create a muscular, athletic appearance. Delivering sensationally spirited performance, the Mazda3 MPS boasts ‘stand out’ looks which give it a great road presence, plus exquisite handling and incredible dynamics. It is the ultimate expression of driving excitement and Mazda’s defy convention attitude, in a sophisticated super-hatch. Alongside sensational performance it provides all the accessibility, practicality, reliability and build quality of its Mazda3 sister models,” adds Allibon.
Each Mazda3 MPS is fitted with the immensely powerful and responsive 2.3-litre MZR DISI Turbo petrol engine. It generates maximum power of 260ps and 380Nm of torque (at just 3,000rpm) and drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with wider spaced gear ratios and a Limited Slip Differential. The dual exhaust pipes deliver a suitably sporty rasp at low revs, but give a 10dB noise reduction at engine speeds over 5,000rpm for improved levels of comfort when driving on open roads.
For enhanced ‘active’ safety appropriate for a high-performance model, the Mazda3 MPS comes with Bi-Xenon headlights with swivel-type Adaptive Front Light System (AFS), front fog lamps, a radar-based rear vehicle monitoring (RVM) system and larger, 320mm diameter ventilated front disc brakes.
The upgraded Mazda3 MPS will be available in a choice of four metallic/mica/pearlescent colours – Aluminium Silver, Black Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red – free of extra charge.
As well as upgrading the Mazda3 MPS, Mazda is rationalising and re-naming its new line-up of seven Mazda3 models on sale from this month.
Two special edition models (Tamura and Venture) now join the permanent range, offering extremely generous specification and equipment at great value prices. The 1.6-litre MZR petrol Tamura and Venture models benefit from fine-tuning which improves fuel economy by 1.4 percent and cuts emissions by 2 percent resulting in reduced BIK for company car drivers.
The revised range now starts with three generously equipped ‘Tamura’ models priced from £15,995-to-£17,495 (OTR). Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Sports styling kit, front fog lights, electric windows, six-speaker audio system, dual zone climate control air-conditioning, front, side and curtain airbags and a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm.
Two ‘Venture’ models with 1.6-litre MZR petrol or diesel engines cost from £17,495 and £18,995, feature additional kit such as light gunmetal alloys wheels, a unique rear spoiler, privacy glass, 5.8-inch Sanyo TomTom navigation, Bluetooth® hands-free, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control and heated front sports seats.
The regular Mazda3 range is topped by a single 185ps 2.2-litre MZR-CD diesel powered ‘Sport Nav’ (costing £20,995) that offers a remarkable combination of performance and fuel economy – 0-to-62mph in just 8.2 seconds and up to 52.3mpg. Stand-out additions to this model include LED rear lights and a heated front windscreen.
