2009 Mazda3 MPS and i-stop to debut at Geneva Motor Show
February 3, 2009 by David Twomey
Mazda plans to debut two new models of the all-new Mazda3 (called Axela in Japan), yet to be released in Australia, at the coming Geneva International Motor Show, one environmentally friendly and the other enthusiast friendly.
The world premiere of the Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda’s advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, will be shared with the all-new Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3’s high performance flagship model.
The Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed Axela) now features improved fuel economy and emissions that satisfy Euro 5 regulations.
Mazda says the Mazda3 is one of its core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced.
It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.
Mazda says the Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the line up.
It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine.
Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European-spec Mazda3.
Mazda says that by providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.
It says the Mazda3 MPS sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit.
Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the overall popularity and recognition of the previous model.
It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.
The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, “These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 line up that has already shown strong appeal.
“The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring.”
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I quite like the 3 MPS, i’ve been fortunate enough to drive one and its quite a giggle to drive, BUT its actually not all that popular, unlike what the CA article says. It isn’t even close to the segment leaders in terms of sales… don’t really know why because its a great package and massive bang for your buck, but it just didn’t catch on as much as it perhaps should have. Maybe the new version will do better
That MPS looks very promising in terms of performance.
wait a sec…that 3 MPS is real? LOOK at the bonnet scoop! should be a cracking little car! In fact, speaking of the Mazda3, I recieved a new Mazda3 model car in the mail because I apparently won a competition on the website. I have to say that its very detailed and the real thing can only improve my level of impressiveness!
Oh no! They have butchered a classic. That look soft and girly!
“The world premiere of the Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda’s advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, will be shared with the all-new Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3’s high performance flagship model.”
Funny how you never heard advances like this in Australian/American cars except for increase in Horse Power and TV’s in back of head rests…(..and yes I did put them in the same sentence)
You know what’s demoralizing? You can’t drive fast in Australia and 40K is a lot of money, more so at a time like this.
for christ sakes Elitist… must you turn EVERY article on this website into an anti-australian car debate? shitsake…
The rear of the MPS3 looks good,but the front with that smiley grille,just doesn’t do it for me.
I’m sure it will perform very well.
If there are not doing an MPS6 then I wonder if they’ll the MPS3 with AWD.
“wait a sec…that 3 MPS is real? LOOK at the bonnet scoop!”
Yeah, makes the WRX look even more lame!
The rear door on the hatch looks better than the outgoing model. Never driven the MPS but the standard 3 is an Ok drive with a surprising roomy cabin.
Mazda are back on a roll….
Hmm im slightly let down my this. Apart from the scoop and the knowledge that it will go like the clappers, it just doesnt inspire me all that much….
Mmmmmmmm, same engine as the CX7, wonder when C/A will be testing that? :-)
Cheers
F-0
FRUGAL_ONE – the CX-7 engine has a smaller turbo than the MPS engine used in the 3 and 6.
Styling looks like it eats WRXs for breakfast! I liked the shape of the new Mazda3, but until now have never liked this big new gaping mouth – it just works on the MPS.
Maybe it’s that rockin’ scoop that sets it off right, or the sweet bodykit, or that little “MPS” badge on the grille, I don’t know. Even the rear looks like it has far more attitude! Love that rear spoiler!
Looks as tho they have taken the impreza and restyled it to actually make it look half decent.
Have they fixed the excessive torque ?
^steer
6^^
Thanks and roger that.
For mine its gone from restrained look to total BoyRacer look, YUK, if its the same coin as a WRX, might as well just buy the AWD WRX and be done with it.Good words about the just released WRX model.
Like everybody else, 190kW? FWD wont work.
Cheers
F-0
ps New Mazda3 is on my shortlist for *her* new car
What a hot hatch and I love the mailbox..
The smiley face is for when you are just about to eat a WRX/EVO
Elitist or is that elite-arse(because your the biggest arsehole)you are a morron.Go and by a tara.On the car I like Mazdas but the front looks stupid in that top pic,the bonnet scoope looks wrong.
The look of the new MPS3 is growing on me. It might be a contender when the lease on my MPS6 expires. I’ll miss the AWD. Amazing to see Ford believe they’ve tamed the torque steer with the forthcoming Focus beast. It is probably not technology they’ve shared with their cousins at Mazda though – they’d need a key differentiator.
A friend of mine has the current 3 MPS, I drive it on average once a fortnight. Great car BUT the torque steer is just silly. Hopefully they address this in the new model. My daily drive is a MK V GTI
I just hope there’s an option to add that bonnet scoop to a stock Mazda 3 when it comes out.
I was also thinking that if you buy this car in “BLACK (mica) colour” the smiley face grill wont stand out as much making it almost blend into the car and the whole package will just work!
Cant wait to buy mine around May when it comes out.
Fingers crossed for better fuel consumption then the current model.
for 40k
You get an eco car with i-stop and sparkless ignition saving 12%
Performance of 200KW like an xr6, evo or wrx
Roomy 4 door thats cheaper than a slightly accessorised LPG falcon
Flat bonnet choice & other lights if scoop or round d lights unwanted.
Handling supreme of a mini
Its a win win package nothing combines Room, performance and eco like this thing does.