2009 Mazda3 MPS spied at Nürburgring
October 27, 2008 by George Skentzos
Crowned by most as the performance-hatch king, the hotly anticipated successor to the Mazda3 MPS has been spied lapping the Nürburgring.
To ensure there is no mistaking this hot-hatch for its naturally-aspirated siblings, Mazda has included a seemingly WRX-inspired hood scoop and oversized spoiler.
Sources confirm that the new model will again be powered by the current 2.3-litre turbocharged unit expected to produce an identical 190kW.
This leads to question if this is strictly a make-over or whether Mazda has thrown in a few additional performance goodies.
This next-generation MPS certainly has a rather impressive twin from which to borrow inspiration – namely the new Ford Focus RS and its highly acclaimed RevoKnuckle suspension system which apparently eliminates the need for all-wheel drive.
Tags: Mazda3, Mazda3 MPS
*****PRIMO!*****
This needs AWD, not just for better traction but to keep up with the WRX and EVO’s of the world.
ie the ~$40k cub
Cheers
F-0 :-)
Shame it it still using the 2.3l engine. Not sure why the 2.5l cannot be used. Agree .. needs an AWD system.
Revoknuckle eliminates need for AWD.
Ho ho ho, don’t think so.
The 3’s bonnet scoop is a w**k unless it feeds into an intercooler, so perhaps that is one change in the facelift?
The rear window spoiler is too large and screams rice.
3rd. photo -
Whats the story on the white pick up truck?
Is it Mazda or other?
Cheers
F-0
white pickup looks like VW Robust?
‘Revoknuckle eliminates need for AWD.
Ho ho ho, don’t think so.’
Driven a Focus RS have you?
It does feed an intercooler, actually. The ‘enhancements’ are correct for this demographic, BTW.
I’ve never heard it described as the performance-hatch king before so I don’t know about most.
2 things champ.
1) Can you please point me in the direction of a $40K evo. I’d like to buy 2 please
2) The Mazda 3 MPS leaves a WRX for dead mate. Are you sure you did not mean STI? If so, id also like 2 at $40K please.
Here we go, don’t get Ben started on his bloody 3 MPS… it’s the undisputed best car in the universe in his mind and he won’t hear about it if you happen to think differently…
FRUGAL_ONE,
Lucky it doesn’t have a Hyunkia badge on it hay, otherwise your opinion would be different.******PRIMO*****
Why would i buy a Mazda MPS over a Ford Focus RS?
Ben, there is the Ralliart at about $40k now – but I’m with you on the MPS, I think its a great car. Besides with this kind of power output AWD is almost a hinderance.
Here is a great MPS v WRX v Ralliart vid from Edmunds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98of6GaH1dk
Looks hot!!
I can see many people buying this car! I think the performance figures will be better and who are we to judge that the car doesnt need AWD until we drive it?
I’d be waiting for test drives before making judgement
How is more power a hindrance when power increases? Surely it’s the other way around.
Either way I happen to really like the 3 MPS, I just don’t think it’s the best hatch going around. Fastest hatch hell yes, but best? No, not as an all-rounder anyway. Maybe the next one will be though, have to wait and see!
I would suspect Mazda will give it a slight power boost, maybe make it an even 200kw.
Richo, I never said more power – the WRX and Ralliart are almost (emphasising “almost”) hindered by their AWD system because they obviously aren’t (emphasising “aren’t”) as powerful as their AWD flagship siblings.
Look at the Ralliart off the line in that video for example, or struggling to transfer power where its needed through the chicane.
the Mazdas are certainly a good car, and I love the gearbox, but there is zero leg room in the rear of the 3, and they are not the prettiest car around. I’d take the ralliart or a focus over the mps, even if the mps might perform better.
Given the car is on a revised platform of the current car, I can’t see beyond bragging rights at the pub, why you would want more power or a larger capcity engine. The current car can’t cope with the current power outputs from takeoff as it is, so why bother?
Hopefully the MPS will be available in a sedan as well, as the extra rigidity of the sedan will help handling and as you get past the dating phase of life, the sedan looks better proportioned.
Oh heck, please Mazda, bring out an AWD Mazda 6 MPS. I love my current car and can’t find anything in your current lineup to replace it with!
Ok there I said it. New 3 does look nice though.
Dan
Dan
The current MPS has some issues with the cv joints and the motor mounts breaking under the engines full torque load. The new MPS should first address these issues before it adds any more power.
Currently the MPS is de-tuned after the first service to reduce the power output and stop the engine mounts and other bits and peices getting excess stress from the large amounts of torque the car produces.
There is no point releasing a car with 190kw which then needs to subsequently be de-tuned at the first service. Fix these motor mount/drivetrain issues and the new car will definately be in the running as one of the top hatches for 40K.
Quote “The 3’s bonnet scoop is a w**k unless it feeds into an intercooler, so perhaps that is one change in the facelift?”unquote. What do you mean by this Reckless1? You might need to get your facts straight first mate otherwise you may make a fool of yourself. The bonnet scoop does in fact feed an intercooler if it uses the top mount intercooler as per the current model. It is just that the current model has ducting under the bonnet drawing air from above the central bar across the grill. They didn’t fit a scoop as they wanted the car to be more understated, ie. a true “Q” car. Obviously with this new model they don’t want to hide it anymore!! :-)
Well as a current owner of a 3MPS, I have mixed emotions about the new one…i personally dont like the hood scoop or extra large rear spoiler.
The sleeper look was great…while other called it bland…it was always good to make ppl stop, look and cry when you leave them for dead.
As for the remarks….yes…i would say its the best performance hatch around…and also the best bang for your bucks…but not the best overall package.
If you cant handle the power…you should not be driving it…been driving mine for nearly 2 years…no problems with mounts…wasnt detuned…and i have dynoed it twice..
A few fellow members of ozmazdaclub.com has flashed and tuned their ECUs and putting around 200+ atw….no real problems..
AWD isnt everything…learn to drive properly…and you wont have a problem.
Happy Motoring
duglet
People only like this over-rated eye-sore because of its sheer grunt. A ridiculously over-powered motor crammed into a FWD spice-girl-chariot with big rims does not a classic hot hatch make. The Ford people who rescued Mazda from the muck over the last decade must have been on vacation when this abomination was dreamt up. There was a huge Wheels mag hot hatch comparo where the 3 MPS was fastest in a straight line (when it wasn’t torque-steering into the next postcode) and SLOWEST in cornering speeds.
A mate of mine works at Mazda…says they can’t give ‘em away. Instead of making this car more powerful, they need to make it less so. Make it AWD. Give it a trick LSD like the Megane. Anything, except the same dumb power overload mentality.
With the bits you can buy from MPS garage(www.mpsgarage.com.au) you can get this baby running better than a STI/EVO.
Although the 2WD is disappointing, it’s still the best bang for buck on the market by far!
Agreed,
MPS Garage are good blokes to deal with and my MPS3 exhaust was as cheap as chips! MPS Garage Website
The new WRX with 195kw is going to eat the MPS alive in that class.
Looks like a top mount intercooler?
I don’t actually think it needs AWD, the turbo ass dragers are actually very fun to throw around.
Anytime, anywhere Tom.
Just say the word and we can go for a run.
If your so confident, would u run for slips!
“Crowned by most as the performance-hatch king”, really? Both Fifth Gear and Top Gear seem to have crowned the VW GTI as the performance-hatch king instead.
Notice the trend there ABC? The ones you mentioned are all from the UK. They have never really liked anything from Mazda (MX5 excluded) or most things from Japan for that matter. Look at the US sites for example and the 3MPS wipes the floor with competitors, including better slalom times/speeds that the all singing, all dancing all wheel drive WRX. Horses for courses. Everyone’s opinion is different and different people like different things. :-)
Come to think of it, I agree with you, Devil’s Adv. To reinforce your observation, another example is that Subaru Forrester was totally thrashed by Fifth Gear by was crowned SUV of the year in the US.
Why would mazda use a TMIC when it’s known that FMICs give better results. It seems Subaru set the trend (because space under the hood said so)in 94 and the sheep are still following. for example, all of the WRC teams use FMICs including Subaru. No scoops on any Subaru works cars anymore.
WVB, FMIC is DIFFERENT than TMIC, not better. FMIC are good for avoiding heat soak while stationary, but the longer pipes have more lag than TMIC, unless the turbo is pretty big (yes,bit of a paradox). If you ever get the chance to drive the 3MPS, you will realize that more power off the line is less important than drivability thru the twisties in 3rd gear.
George – the ralliart is slow off the line because of the DSG gearbox. Mitsubishi took the launch control off the ralliart and the EVO because they where breaking too many gearbox’s by using it. Hence why the gearbox is very conservative off the line.
If the ralliart was a manual it would launch every bit as hard as the MPS.
Also it’s worth noting that in video’s like this, they often exaggerate the point so you can see what they are talking about, so you will find they probably didn’t load up the brake pedal or anything on that launch.
^soichiro, point taken but I am aware of the economies of scale re intercoolers and see the front mount as more advantageous in regard to usable sizing and overall effectiveness.
I agree that top mounts ‘chimney’, depending on the vehicle speed and whether owners retain any factory undertrays etc but as you say, paradoxically it’s much of a muchness in terms of factory setups. Yes, my wrx’s scoop heat hazes and most tuners lament top mounts for that reason. Subaru went the top mount because it suited their packaging (and still does) whereas I reckon Mazda look to have had a design choice but opted for the same approach. Are they riding on the wrx moniker though? I think so. I will drive one and see.
The good old hot hatch debate starts again. Here is my opinion on the MPS3 (and in general I LOVE mazdas).
- It has no character at all, easily one of the blandest looking cars on the road, go on fan boys, hide behind the “Q Car” rubbish that no one except MPS3 owners buy. At least it will take the police a little longer to get the hang of spotting them (scoop should fix that problem).
- It only appeals to people that like straight line speed, as such will soon become known as the SS commodore of hot hatches (boy racers/heros). But my god, it is fast in a straight line, love that 3rd gear rush (assuming your on a good straight road where the law permits such antics).
- It has what can only be described as a sloppy gear shift which really detracts from the driving experience. Come on mazda, we know you can do it, give it a good gearbox/linkages/.
- It’s noisy on the open road. You are suppose to enjoy living with hot hatches. Changing the tyres will help a bit, but still falls down in this area.
- It does not handle well, I don’t care what anyone says about learning to drive. It has puny little tyres (yes guys, I know they are 18,” you measure the width as well). Nearly every hot hatch has more rubber on the ground, better feeling brakes and better balance (2.3 is too heavy). It under steers like a pig. When it’s not under steering, it’s either running on limited power, torque steering or in the garage with a broken engine mount.
- It can’t use it’s power already (1st and 2nd are limited, then jump on a forum and see how many people have upgraded engine mounts becasue of them getting broken or causing issues on WOT runs.
- 90% of the people that own them can’t drive to save their lives (not the cars fault in any way). AWD is not the solution. AWD does not fix bad driving, it only covers it up for a while, generally IMO AWD only serves to encourage people to push things further.
Summary – There is a pile of work to be done on the mazda BEFORE they add more power.
As for the above references. Yes the poms think mazda is a rubbish brand, but they (top gear) did give the MPS6 a kick arse review. Secondly, the Americans only value outright grunt. Outright power is not what a hot hatch is about at all.
Scoobs, here is my opinion on you in general.
You are a dyckhead, and you dont have a clue. Get some toilet paper and wipe the shyte coming out of your mouth.
well now we know what Ben Larden drives….
Exactly who are the sources that confirm it has 190kw
See what i mean about Ben? He’s a complete tosser…
can’t accept that some people might dare have a different opinion to him or not love the car that he drives.
He probably only bought the MPS in the first place because he thought that was the cool car to have at the time, and is absolutely gutted that everyone doesn’t love it
My other half’s last car was a 3MPS. The only thing good about it was the stereo system and it’s 3rd gear.
We live inner city Melbourne and the car was an absolute pig when accelerating over tram tracks in the wet. It needs AWD IMO.
I’m all for the difference in opinion, but Steve it went like a dog over the train lines because you had DSC on, turn it off and see how it goes.
Each to their own, a AWD system would be better, but for it’s price in the market it DEFN appeals as the best buy around.
Have to agree with the comment about AWD hides bad driving for a while, and 90% of the population can’t drive, although i would lower it to say 50%.
Scoobs, I actually mostly agree with your points. Seems like you have your own valid/researched opinion, unlike some arm chair experts here…
So, I have sat here and read alot of tripe, and some very valid points. Firstly I owned a moderately modified 3MPS sporting around 200kw atw. I have no issues with torque steer, it handles well for it’s current setup alas has much room for improvement.
Don’t forget we are talking about a 1400kg nose heavy FWD, so handling is never going to be its forte’ But as I said above, it can be improved.
Scoobs, you do make some very valid points and for the most part I agree with you. Engine mounts were replaced and the gear shift is ordinary. But most mount upgrades have improved gear shift during WOT and have also eliminated a fair portion of axle tramp. The car DOES need wider wheels 18×7 is a joke! Car is noisy, but alot of that has to do with the tyres as you mentioned.
The torque limiter for 1st & 2nd gear is great to be honest, lets face it, fwd are never going to be superb at launching! Weight shift from front to rear kills it…
I have disconnected the traction module which disengages the torque limiter and I can say it is a PRICK to launch.. dsc button off is fine, but everything disabled SUCKS.
Ben Larden & Richo, shutup.. seriously!!
SteveR32, I’m simply going to call you a moron!! Seriously what did you expect when you belted over the tram lines in the wet?? Obviously common sense was lacking that evening.
In my opinion, it’s a great car for the price, obviously needs tweaks but what first gen car doesn’t?
If the new model comes with awd, I highly doubt you see this car under $45,000. Boy racer image or not, I like the new look I just hope the rectify the following;
SHITE fuel pumps
Wider wheels
Tighter suspension
And not to mention the long list of turbo/PCV valve issues.
Brakes.. maybe some better calipers, the single pots aren’t too bad.
In the end, each to there own! AWD isn’t everything, all it does is pick up the slack on most peoples rubbish driving ability.
Zoomer,
Why should you have to take so many precautions when driving the 3MPS in the wet? Our previous car to the 3MPS was an MY04 WRX and that thing took the wet tram lines with ease. My R32 takes those wet tram lines with ease. It may not have frustrated you, but it sure as hell frustrated me. All that power and limited in so many ways.
You mention that Mazda would struggle to provide AWD for under 45k. If Subaru can do it, why can’t Mazda?
BTW, I have actually owned a 3MPS so you can’t exactly call me an arm chair expert. Its the last FWD car I will ever own.
SteveR32, Subaru can provide it for under $45K because Subaru skimps on everything else. 5 Speed gearbox, shit brakes, rubbish interior, less rubber, smaller wheels, shit sound syster, etc etc.
Subaru have AWD for ~40k, but the rest of their car is rubbish, look at the interior for example. It looks like something fisher price made then Subaru got some $2 silver spray paint to finish it off. The mazda IMO has an ugly interior, but at least it is decent quality.
Tim – I don’t comment on things I don’t actually have experience with (I have quite a lot with the MPS3).
Zoomer – Agree with you on moron comment.
SteveR32 – Because they’re slippery? Your a good example of the kind of person that NEEDS AWD. Oh and the stereo system is good? Eh? WTF? No it’s not.
Ben Larden – Not even going to bother mate, your name and the quality of your responses says it all really.
Richo – See exactly what you mean…
Sorry if any of my comments offended anyone (except you Ben Larden), they are just my opinions….
Scoobs, mate…
You need to take a chill pill…. and get back to doing those dishes that your boss pays you so well to do.
Ben,
As long as you are happy with your car purchase, that’s all that should really matter mate. Personally, the 3MPS didn’t cut it. Yes, it’s fast with a nice interior but IMO putting that much power/torque through the front wheels is always going to spell trouble.
All cool! *thumbs up*
Zoomer,
You mentioned that you “owned” a 3MPS. What do you own now? I’m guessing it doesn’t have FWD in its spec sheet. (IMO No performance car should)
Test drove a 3MPS last year on a narrow, winding, bumpy, hilly road and the car was an absolute hoot to drive! Had no probs with the handling, felt like it was on rails. Interior quality was great as was driving position IMO.
I dont think the point of this car is how fast it can do the quarter mile, i think its what it can do on the open road or when you need to overtake slower traffic. In these situations the 3MPS has no peers, it punches well above its weight. (check rolling acceleration stats eg. 80-120 in 3rd = 3secs)
P.S. Had no probs changing gears either, changes were slick and accurate.
Washing dishes, what the hell are you on about? Is that meant to be funny?
I can only assume because you have an R32 your an old fart. So I assume that is a generational joke that has gone over my head because I’m not over 40.
Any ho.
This “argument” has had it’s day I think.
My departing comment will be RWD for the win (German RWD in my example).
SteveR32; typo mate, still own it.
Falcadore,
I agree mate, that third gear gave a great rush when overtaking etc.
Zoomer & Ben,
Did you boys have squeeling front brakes with your 3MPS? Ours wouldn’t shut up no matter how many times we “bedded” them in.
Scoobs,
I’m 30.
Age is a frame of mind, not a number.
Growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional. My wife always tells me I live by this motto. Don’t know what she is talking about!
Agree Scoobs…….! Some people never grow up as well! Speaking of that; where are regular ones with bizarro mindset??????????????????????????????????
I am also an MPS3 owner. This is a great car, one thing that does annoys me is the “hesitation” the temporary lack of power on some few occasions when you floor it on the 5th or 6th. Not sure why what the solution is fuel pump or ECU…???
Other than that, it is an absolute pleasure to drive to work every day, up the hills it is king in 5th and 6th gear.
Ive driven a MPS down the Old Pacific Hwy and i thought it handeld like rubbish… Every time i put my foot down even in 3rd gear the front wheels spun like crazy. I told the Mazda bloke what I thought of it…He even agreed himself.
i think you must have DSC turned off (no point turning it off really)… I drove the 3 MPS around the Oran park race track and i thought it handled pretty good.
Ofcourse with 190kw and 380NM there would be some wheel spin but if you leave DSC on there really isn’t any problem unless you try to defy physics.
You people are crazy!!!
For those of you who have commented but never driven one, your opinion is rubbish,
For those who have and say it doesnt handle well, it came 10th overall in targa tasmania, you just cant drive.
It is a handfull in corners, it does have too much power but thats the whole point!!
but after owning one for the past month im use to the power and want more!!
I think its engineered well to be able to put all that power down to the ground, your riced up lancer with the same power would just spin
Treat yourself guys and gals and go and buy one you wont regret it!!!
Hi all,
Some very interesting comments.
I have done as cliffo says and bought myself a brand new MPS. I drove one a few weeks back for about 30 minutes and the word I used was “surprising”.
I thought it was fantastic. IT put a huge smile on my face, no matter what I was doing. And guys, this is what your car should be for – making you happy!!!
I have paid less than £15.000 for the car in black with the aero kit. For this kind of money I found there to be limited competition.
A lot of people see the modest looks as a negative side, but I quite like the idea of my car not shouting at people “i am a boy racer”.
The car comes in 2 weeks, hopefully it will make me as happy as i was on the test drive.
Be cool.
Lee
Eh, In my mind it’s too fast for Australian roads. Pretty good deal though if you’re into that sort of thing. I shied off waiting for one and got a luxury model SP25 instead. The insurance was a major issue and that it would have to be parked in the open. Would likely attract too much attention from the lebbos in my area
Idiots talk crap all the time All you idiots on forums dont even have money buy everything on credit. You idiots dim wits go ride a sheep. I own this car you cant beat the price you stoopid idiots if you got the money buy something else you monkeys If you want to compare you have to look at prices even with MX bikes you idiots say YZ some say CR some say KX you numb nuts IF DONT MATTER IF YOU NEVER CAN AFFORD TO BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So Abdul, you can’t string two words together let alone spell them properly and we’re the idiots? Alright then.
Just a question, how exactly do you know our financial statuses? I’m just having trouble determining how you can so confidently think that we have no money and buy everything on credit.
You wrote “All you idiots on forums dont even have money”. Now, considering the rest of your comment I don’t know if that’s what you meant to write, but doesn’t the fact that you left a comment make you an idiot in a forum with no money? According to you, that would be right.
In the future, I advise that you let people have their own opinions about things without going on an idiotic rant that makes you look nothing but foolish.
Putting away the racist comment by Hotdog and Abdul’s dim-witted response (by the way i am also mid-eastern). Shall we go back talking about this car then.
For the money, it is great, fantastic to drive. I have had mine for about 18 months now and has been driving like a dream. This car handles well, but it is more about in-gear acceleration and every day driving. So unless you want to go drag racing or go at suicide speeds around bends (which is dangerous in any car), then this car has it all and for the price it hasnt be beaten yet.
Anyway, this is my two cents worth. Drive one and you will know what i mean. Cheers.