Mazda3 MPS – First Steer
July 22, 2009 by David Twomey
2009 Mazda3 MPS – First Steer
When you can make your hero car perform better, look more appealing, add extra equipment and potentially sell better but lower the price, even if only by a few hundred dollars, then you are probably on a winner, especially if it’s the Mazda3 MPS.
By David Twomey
We are talking about a car that makes up only a tiny percentage of the Mazda3 sales but it casts a strong shadow over the image of the Mazda3 range and the brand in general.
Pricing for the MPS starts at $39, 690*, $300 below the price of the out-going model, for the base model and rises to $43,290* for the Luxury version.
The previous model was amongst the most powerful hot hatches around, but it brought with it road manners that were questionable, including vicious torque-steer.
Taming that torque steer now are stiffer drive-shafts and more precise control of the intake volume and boost pressure to avoid sudden torque spikes.
The new car is heavy, by 50 kilograms, although its body is actually lighter than before, the result of a more rigid body, bigger tyres (Dunlop 225/40 R18), larger fuel tank and more equipment.
Under the bonnet, which now features a very prominent scoop to feed the air demands of the turbocharged engine, things remain almost unchanged from the previous model.
The 2.3-litre, direct-injection, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with a top-mounted intercooler, produces an unchanged 190kW at 5500rpm, while the substantial torque figure of 380Nm at 3000rpm also remains the same.
The clutch has a short bite and takes a bit of getting used to but once the take-up point becomes familiar its easy to use with the six-speed manual gearbox’s wider settings and higher gear points.
Fuel consumption has been trimmed slightly; it’s now 9.9l/100km – down 0.1 – while three grams to 235gm/km reduce emissions.
Based on the recently released Mazda3 the car has a much strong visual look than the previous MPS, which Mazda learned was just too much of a “sleeper” for its target market.
That market is very much the ‘boy racer’ type although Mazda expects the almost exclusively male market to move up in age bracket to the 35 to 49 year olds.
Mazda expects about 70 buyers a month will drive away in the MPS, which is a drop in the ocean compared to the 3000+ sales a month for the mainstream models, and it also expects 70 per cent of those sales to be the Luxury model.
Rival include the Ford Focus XR5, RenaultSport Megane, Subaru Impreza WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and the soon to be released Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Having taken previous criticism to heart Mazda has worked hard on the styling, suspension, road and wind noise, to give the MPS a more solid, quieter ride, and aggressively distinctive sport look. In fact Mazda says noise, vibration and harshness has been improved by a significant 11 per cent.
All Mazda3 MPS models come standard with a high-end 4.1-inch colour information control screen, satellite-navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a six-CD sound system with auxiliary jack, dual-zone climate-control, cruise control, keyless entry/start, a comprehensive trip computer, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Metallic paint is a no-cost option.
The MPS also has the must-have for all sports models these days and comes with a start button, plus a digital turbo boost gauge, while softer plastic has been used in interior surfaces, with red interior trim highlights and sports bucket seats lined with a mix of black leather and red cloth.
Spending the $43,290 for the Luxury model adds adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, a premium Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The cabin has a snug, sporty feel to it and the heavily bolstered seats hug the body during hard driving, something we were able to test in the complete safety of a driver training facility outside of the national capital, Canberra.
A large floating rear spoiler and 18-inch alloys, with rotary-inspired spokes, sporting the already mentioned wider rubber than the previous model add to the grip, and enhance the edgy styling.
A revised stiffer McPherson strut suspension, with stronger bracing means the MPS is more poised, even over uneven bitumen, but the firm suspension does tend to produce some see-sawing on our undulating roads. A torque-sensing super limited-slip differential does its bit to help prevent you getting untidy with the front-wheel-drive.
Up front the brakes are 320mm ventilated discs and 280mm solid discs at the rear, Aiding them in their job is ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), along with active front headrests and front, side and curtain airbags.
Out on the road the MPS is a quick, torquey performer that needs less cog-swapping to keep it on the boil, charging through sweeping corners with considerably confidence, but getting a little more untidy when the road surface becomes rough or undulating.
Noise levels are much improved but still on the high side while the ride and handling are good, although the firmness can get caught out, again by our rough road surfaces.
CarAdvice will have a full review of the Mazda3 MPs in the next few weeks.
* Manufacturers’ Recommended Pricing
Print it: 
the previous MPS3 looks twice more masculine than this one. Looks “okay” but with the exception of the massive bonnet scoop, this looks like a chick car like its non MPS version, yes looks so cute and adorable as my female friends describe it….
:-)
I agree! hehe
but yeah the main problem dynamic wise was that the previous MPS has terrible torque steer.. if you can call it like that almost 400NM on front wheel, the wet cornering definitely was tricky and can get unpredictable…
I’d rather buy a second hand previous MPS3 for 28K AUD than close to 40K for this… just me.. or even better the MPS6 which is about 28K-35K with 4WD access…
if I must spend 40+K then MY2009 WRX looks fairer and “safer” for the purchase….
This car is ugly. Apart from that i love it.
Little too over the top with that bonnet scoop in my opinion. Besides that looks pretty good exterior wise, but that silly red spray paint look everywhere in the interior is just plain wrong.
HAL Says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
“so how much is a BMW135i, Realist? What a stupid comparison. Of course it’s going to kill this with it’s 6cy twin turbo engine. This is half the price.”
Your original idiotic comment was “this seems like the best bang-for-your-buck package out there” – an extremely silly comment considering what else is in the marketplace. I pointed out the 135i kills it on every level, and is regarded as one of the best buys out there. And it’s not double the price.
FYI I can purchase a two year old 130i for $40K. 190kW with RWD, 50:50 weight distribution, better quality, more features, better brand. What would you rather own? You’re a muppet if you’d prefer to own a FWD boy racer than a RWD best in class handler.
yes Realist, but the 130i looks like a squashed up 335i with disproportionate headlamps!
But I understand the concept… if they made the 130i and 135i “Pretty” then there will be NO point in buying an M3 unless you just have the extra cash to burn and must drive the “M” badge… spec wise the 130i is sweet as!
But as per first line, UGLY as! maybe except the rear view and the hatch looks okay from the 3rd angle REAR view also…
It’s somewhat disappointing that the Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights are only offered on the Luxury model for the Mazda3 MPS, when it’s offered on the SP25 and Maxx Sport in the US. Perhaps after a year or two, these options and others can make their way down into the lower trim levels.
I sort of agree with others here
I would seriously consider a silver or black 2 year old BMW 130i over the current group of hot hatches (considering on road they’d all be around 42K)
Lukaas Says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
“yes Realist, but the 130i looks like a squashed up 335i with disproportionate headlamps!”
Sure the 130i is not the most attractive in the BMW range.
But is the FWD boy racer pictured above handsome? It looks like it belongs in Lakemba. And take a look at all the other FWD hot hatches – none are particularly good looking.
I was lucky to have been invited by Mazda to test drive the new MPS3 at Sutton Rd Driving Centre ACT on behalf of Ozmazdaclub. I can say that there is a huge improvement over the previous model as its power delivery is more refined and not as raw as the previous model but still lightning fast.The gear change is slick and precise and the suspension and brakes work perfectly. The list of creature comforts are outstanding and the attention to detail is second to none….
Rick Bates and Brendan Reeves were on site giving us pointers and also taking us on hot laps in the Targa MPS3 Cars…
I will say that I’m not fussed on the silver and the steering wheel is a bit busy for me….
The training centre track is a great contrast to normal Aus roads which tested the new MPS suspension and brakes.
I’m a fan of the new look 3 and the MPS has now stepped up to stand alone from a normal 3. The muscular lines and the large bonnet scoop give the MPS a street greed look….the start button is a great inclusion.
OK I have read the above posts and yes no one is taking away the fact that the Golf is the stable mark for the hot hatch but Mazda have stepped up and given the MPS some mongrel so it can fight for the honours…lets see in a few months with the sales..
I for will be ordering a red one in Feb 2010 when the lease for my Mazda 2 Genki reaches two years….
Great car awesome power fantastic brakes and looks that will be loved or hated…..its all done to preference.
It’s interesting to see so many comments make a reference to the Golf. Both are where it’s at right now, it seems.
For me, of course, it’s Golf. It’s Leonard Cohen versus Robbie Williams…both cool, and for different tastes.
How old are you Golfschwein? Neither of those people are cool.
Oh well, maybe you’re a Pink guy, then.
Nope, can’t stand her or anybody like her. I wasn’t commenting on the music (though I will admit I can’t stand Robbie Williams), I was saying that neither person is cool.
Okay, I’ll keep music out of future posts. This is awkward. It was a wistful, light-hearted acknowledgement that different cars have different characters and appeal to different people and the Golf has a heavy-set personality but does everything extremely (barely pause for breath here) well and if it was a muso, it’d probably be like Leonard Cohen (but not necessarily so, should anyone disagree cos they don’t like Leonard Cohen)cos it’s been around for a long time and, and, and…so does the Mazda 3 do everything well but it’s kinda like Robbie Williams, being more (gasp for breath again) frenetic and bouncy with NVH issues and when you said you don’t like either, I though Oh Crumbs! Cripes! maybe he likes Pink, but then you say well ya dunt like her neither cos she’s a flashy bint and (big breath here) really, Golfschwein must admit he’s not really a fan of Robbie Williams OR Pink, but recognises that lots of people are, just like lots of people like the Mazda 3, and was really just (takes breath) trying to be diplomatic when so few people on here are.
Golfschwein is truly lost for words.
Realist, you have simply confirmed my previous opinion of you. Tosser. Complete and utter dropkick. (Hey, I figured that since we were on a name calling journey here why not join in.) You could hardly call my opinion, which is that this is the best bang-for your buck NEW car out there at the moment, a stupid one. I don’t want a second hand BMW hatch that some loser like you has thrashed for the first 40K kms of it’s life. Do us all a favour and keep your stupid opinions to yourself.
And Realist, a 135i is at least double the price. $80K+ last time I checked. Hell, you may as well compare this to the Bugatti Veyron and say, “but the Bugatti kills this”. Get a clue.
HAL Says:
July 24th, 2009 at 11:26 am
“Realist, you have simply confirmed my previous opinion of you. Tosser. Complete and utter dropkick.”
I’d equate terms like tosser and loser to plebs driving around in $45K FWD buzzboxes thinking they’ve made it in the world.
“You could hardly call my opinion, which is that this is the best bang-for your buck NEW car out there at the moment, a stupid one.”
You never used the word “new” in your original comment bud.
“I don’t want a second hand BMW hatch that some loser like you has thrashed for the first 40K kms of it’s life.”
Loser? I’m not the one who’s gone all orgasmic over a hot hatch destined for the annals of Lakemba and Greenacre. Is your favourite food the supersize Big Mac meal with coke?
“Do us all a favour and keep your stupid opinions to yourself.”
I’ll keep calling it as I see it – and what I see is a muppet like you electing to purchase a boy racer over a much better second hand buy.
HAL Says:
July 24th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
“And Realist, a 135i is at least double the price. $80K+ last time I checked.”
At least double the price? Sorry, wrong again. You’ve conveniently forgotten on road costs etc for the boy racer.
Either boy racer or complete prick…. There’s a car for everyone out there! Sheeez!!!
I was in one today. Looks amazing and drives even better. Improvements from the previous model include a more sporty exhaust note, firmer ride, feels really grippy and much more equipment. The base model comes with keyless entry/push start button and electric leather seats. Very nice features for a car thats gone down a little on price.
190kw of power with no handling = waste of money on the road. You will never use that power on an australian road. Taking power out of the picture try and consider what is left for maza 3 MPS..it has none of the stellar handling like honda civic type R or golf GTI. It doesn’t have the build refinement like golf GTI or honda civic type R. Mazda 3 MPS will only appeal to those who read a brochure just to find out how much power a car has and decide their purchase solely on that and other gimmicks that is mazda 3 MPS.
Do I smell ‘German Car’ arrogance here – those who think because a car is simply German (BMW/VW), it ‘HAS to be better – end of story’?
Don’t write of the Japanese, they can build pretty good cars for much much less – about time the Germans wake up to this. 3MPS aside, I hope Mazda will put the 2.3L Turbo into the MX-5….
I keep reading about the “vicious” torque steer of the previous model and continually scratch my head. Yes, the previous model does torque steer if you are ham-fisted with your power application in situations where it would be questionable to even apply that much power to a RWD etc, but I would hardly call it vicious. Remember the old Mazda MX6 Turbo and other 80s Turbo FWD cars? Now THEY had vicious torque steer. If you drive the car properly with smooth power applications etc (like you should) the LIGHT tugging of the wheel can actually serve as a good form of feedback on power application, just like when you start to get the rear stepping out on a RWD under power.
On a side note I can also hazard a guess that Hayzel either hasn’t driven a 3MPS or doesn’t know how to drive. If the 3MPS can’t handle, how come it has continually been up the pointy end of the production car class in events like the Targa Tasmania etc? This also includes a 10th outright and 1st production car home in 2007. Whilst I am not saying it is the best handling car out there, far from it, it is not a car with “no handling”. Motoring reviewers have recorded higher lateral G loads and slalom times in the 3MPS than cars like the “superior handling AWD” WRX etc. Not to mention in a “Road and Track” review, the 3MPS accellerated faster to 60mph, stopped shorter, recorded more lateral G and a faster slalom time (a good handling benchmark as it tests change of direction) than your benchmark Golf GTi, the Mini Cooper S and Honda Civic Si Sedan. If the 3MPS has “no handling”, I would love to know how you would describe the handling of the other cars in that test! I am not saying it is a better car than the Golf, I am just saying it is a better car than you give it credit for. IMHO the Golf GTi STILL is the best all rounder of the hot hatch brigade, but the minor flaws of the 3MPS also go towards making it more fun when you are pushing it and give it it’s character. Plus what is wrong with going with something different??!! :-)
why do people keep going on about golf gti and mps3 and say its class leading.go drive the 09 wrx sedan.idid and bought one in april.it is a sensational car in power,handling and everyday driving.the golf and mazda are fine cars but they’re not the best of the best.
Tim, ive driven a current model STI, and while it is a good car, it didnt give me the adrenalin rush the MPS (1st gen) did. Plus the interior just felt and looked cheap and the dash design was very boring IMO. But my mate enjoys driving it, so each to his own.
On a side note, it would be interesting to see an MPS in the WRC.
MazMagic Says:
July 24th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
“Do I smell ‘German Car’ arrogance here – those who think because a car is simply German (BMW/VW), it ‘HAS to be better – end of story’?”
So you think the MPS handles better than a BMW 130i? It’s not arrogance at all – just facts bud.
I’m with Tim. I can’t believe what a narrow focus some people have when it comes to hot hatches – its not simply golf gti or nothing. I drove a lot of them in April before I bought my MY09 WRX. Now I’m not saying the WRX is best in class – it just suited my needs and goes like stink. I drove a MkV golf gti, MPS and focus XR5. The FWD cars just didn’t do it for me – they just don’t feel like a true driver’s car – almost like a corolla with heaps more horsepower and crap handling. The AWD in the WRX takes corners like you wouldn’t believe, and while its not as pure as a RWD its sure better than most of the FWD cars out there. The only one that almost swayed me was the focus xr5 – that is a nice car except most people don’t bother taking their blinkers off and just go out and buy the golf gti. What a shame….
As good as the WRX is mechanically etc, it still has interior plastics that make most Korean cars look like an Audi. I don’t know what they are thinking, but besides the current and about to be superceeded Liberty (which has a very good quality interior), the plastics in ALL their models, including the +$50,000 Tribeca, have been ordinary to say the least. A couple of months ago I had a look in a Tribecca and the plastics looked like they could have easily come out of a $15,990 Korean car like a Barina. It would be bad enough in a mid $20k car let alone something worth north of $55,000 on road for the base model. It is a shame as the actual fit was very good, it just seemed like you could scratch the plastics by just looking at them!
I agree Devil’s Advocate. The lunchbox plastics in my WRX border on embarassing and yes it’s a shame because the actual fit is superb. Although in reality I feel too much is made of the quality of the interior plastics these days – mind you the mazdas aren’t much better by the way. Of course the Europeans like the golf gti do interiors much better, but you could also say mechanically they’re not bolted together as well as some of the Japanese eg Subaru, Mazda, Honda. So its a bit of give and take – you give up quality interior for a bulletproof drivetrain.
Mazda, keep it up as your cars are great
Realist: so now this is a class war? And you’re basing my socio-economic circumstance on the fact I used certain words to describe my opinion of you? Right….maybe I should have also used judgemental, arrogant, or even elitist to describe you?
No, I think I’ll stick with my original description: “Tosser. Complete and utter dropkick”. Basic yes, but accurate nonetheless. Bud.
Falcodore,
You really crack me up. You must be a real crap driver if you thought that MPS 3 gave you more adrenaline rush than the new STi. Trying getting a ride in it with someone capable of pushing the car to its limit. You will see that you shouldn’t even be comparing the STi to MPS 3. They don’t even come close! MPS 3 might not be much slower in straight line due to the ridiculous amount of power, but it won’t fare well against STi in corners.
The new MPS 3 seem to be well-equipped, but I personally find it extremely fugly. Any MPS 3 owner claiming that they don’t have issues with torque steer is a liar. I’ve been in one and the amount of torque steer was extreme!
Well, I decided to never buy a FWD car again. The power/torque you see on paper is very misleading as you won’t be able to put it down on the road especially in first and second gear. My modded XR5 has 191kw/447nm and it is useless in the wet. Cars like WRX, VW R32 can be floored off the line even in the wet with minimal loss of traction.
HAL Says:
July 27th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
“Realist: so now this is a class war? And you’re basing my socio-economic circumstance on the fact I used certain words to describe my opinion of you? Right….maybe I should have also used judgemental, arrogant, or even elitist to describe you?”
Someone’s overreacting… but I still think you’re a pleb.
“No, I think I’ll stick with my original description: “Tosser. Complete and utter dropkick”. Basic yes, but accurate nonetheless. Bud.”
Gee, all this vitriol because I stated a second hand BMW 1 series has better handling, on par performance, 50:50 weight distribution, better quality, more features, and better badge cachet.
Well done Mazda on producing a car with as much power as possible without much thought to anything else, ie how it would have an impact on the car.
Since the rx7 days finished I haven’t found a satisfying ride/drive from any of Mazdas’ range.
The Realist; I think the reason for his reactions is due to you calling his opinion/comments “idiotic and silly”
That isn’t a very friendly thing to say.
Others opinions or views on things might not be how you might think or see of things, most people are unique (you would hope so) but making them feel inferior, knocking them down for their views isn’t very mature or welcoming.
;]
I wouldn’t go that far TDo. If you really enjoy the ‘pure mechanics’ of driving on a nice twisty road etc, there isn’t much under $100k that is as pure, or using your words satisfying, as an MX-5. It is a car that proves you don’t always need to have huge amounts of power to enjoy ’spirited’ driving. I know I am not the only one who thinks like this too! :-)
For all of you out there that assume because there are big torque and HP figures through this model MPS and the previous model, you get loads of torque steer, i ask, have any of you actually driven one? or just made a stupid assumption. I own the outgoing model 2006 3MPS and after driving it for 3 years can tell you that if you accelerate 100% and only have 1 finger on the steering wheel, the car will go in a straight line. 100% everytime, even in the wet. As said before, i understand all you people with little chicken wing arms and chicken legs that cant control a clutch or hold onto a steering wheel with some grip. You all just sound like rear wheel drive obsessed fools. Appreciate the car for what it, and it is a great car, ive already got this model on order in white and cant wait to go upto to Darlinghurst and take all the street cred and rights away from all the euro trash hot hatches that should just stick to deisel.
Heeffy I agree with you but a white mps won’t be coming to Australia(or at least from what I’ve heard). Only Velocity red, celestial blue, black and aluminium metallic
Well I for one will stick with my 08 WRX because I like it. Having a really nice dash may be good to look at but for me I don’t drive the dashboard, I drive the car. On my priority list how the car drives is more important than what the dash is made of or how it looks. The WRX is AWD which means I don’t have to struggle with FWD torque steer and that is what I like. The WRX is competitively priced and has a ton of grunt and that is what I like. IMO I think the new 3 is fugly which I don’t like.
I recently drove a (normal) Golf for the first time and yes I could see what people rave about with solid feel and quality and all that. However they are just too expensive, the base car (even the GTI) comes with nothing and everything is an option. To get the car you want in the first place you need to add 10k to the starting price and for me that just does not work. On a bang for your buck criteria the WRX wins hands down.
As for some other commenters getting their mental knickers in such a massive twist over this and other topics you people seriously need to CHILL!!!!! It is just a forum for opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, brand loyalty is OK but you just don’t have to get so all fired up serious about it. Rexes rule.
TuffGuy all valid points but the Mazda looks unique sure the front grill is a little happy but the car is moving away from your run of the mil everyday look
The WRX is hot but its a cop magnet and this car isnt…
I would be happy with either a GolF GTI, Lacer EVO, Mazda3 MPS or WRX… all these cars rock…
But this car can and does play with in the same league as the others.. but does it with Luxury
Plenty of kit for cash,ugly,FWD and whats the hand brake doing over there?
Hey has anyone commenting driven the new MPS? How many critics have taken the time to drive the old one? The problem exists all over the world with drivers and reviewers alike; people are afraid of the unknown. If burgers is all you know then pasta will taste like S@#t. Golf drivers and the like are so afraid something new might come along and show them a clean pair of heals in every sense that they go into a flat state of fear and panic and start shooting from the hip with criticism. The truth is that the old Mazda3MPS was a great car and although it had some shortfalls – so did the Golf! From a reliability perspective I think it goes without saying; the Mazda wins hands-down and has done so for years; probably forever as I can’t recall NO Volkswagen product ever being as reliable outright as ANY Mazda product. Compared to the old MPS the Golf V is the better handler, but the interiors for me are on par. The styling is up to personal preference. The new MPS is more practical and the design leaves me with eyebrows raised, but I need to see it in the flesh(remember the old Astina?). Having said that I think the new Golf Vi is so conservative it borders on boring. I am so glad Mazda took a bold step with their approach as it makes heads turn. I think the new MPS will definitely be a hit and as you can see, Golf drivers are already running scared. All of a sudden ‘it’s not all about performance’ and ‘the car is ugly’. Let me say this; if this car had a VW badge on it we would’ve been reading about the ‘innovative’ new Golf and the ‘out-of the-box’ thinking. I will drive it and make my decision their, but as it stands; Mazda have one client …
well…temptation got me and I am now waiting for the delivery ;)
Up close these cars are simply so unique and just ooze quality for the money. Unlike anything else on the road in its class.
Spent most of today in the showroom with one and now cant get the shape out of my head! A truly individual piece of work that is truly Mazda in every sense.
I’ll miss my 2007 Mazda 6 but so look forward to getting to know this nasty little monster :D
I think Mazda have done a great job on the car , even though as a current owner of a 3 MPS there is very little to entice me to upgrade.
When my lease expires I’ll probably be going with a 135i or something else that is RWD and Turbocharged.
I dont know about this car, yes impressive motor, clutch, stats and interior but for the outside. Quality build like all mazdas just looks odd, i still see it as a ladies sports car.
The 135i is only better from stand still otherwise it gets killed by the MAZDA 3 MPS just try a rolling start next to a 3Mps and you ll see ;) i know this for a fact !! also this applies for the WRX STI(stock) and for the Audi S3(stock) .
From stand still these 3 cars are slightly faster but otherwise with 3rd gear 4th gear or any gear rolling they loose ..
andre is right, mazda 3 mps will destroy anythin in rollin acceleration, its quicker then new BMW M3 , or rs4 audi, or even aston martin vintage from 80to120 in 3rd and 4th gear, the reason for this is its not a heavy car and has 161kws at the wheels,and a lot of torque, think bout it for a sec, WRX only has 168kws in the engine, and 110kws at the wheels, and mps has 161kws at the wheels, if u look at the motor trend magazine this month edition, on a their race track they tested the 3 mps 2009 model, against renault megane turbo r 26 ann 195kws WRX 2009 model, and then another month edition has BMW m3 and other heavy weights, MPS is almost always quicker around every corner on the track then M3 and almost certainly then WRX. now this is 2009 mps. i ve driven it at a local dealer 10 days ago and it seemed like mazda has tamed the beast, the car felt nose heavy and felt like its missin 50kws or so, but I coudnt really trash it cos the guy from mazda dealer was sittin next to me, and my cuzin was there too, its also 50 kilos heavier then the 2007 mps so maybe it just is slower. anyhow, 2007 model is a crazy car in gear acceleration astonishing
You would have to be bonkers to buy a 40k+ 2nd hand BMW 130i over a brand new 3 MPS. The BMW is outdated, it doesn’t look exiting at all. Its like your going backwards. No one would hardly notice you’ve got a very fast hatch-back. The BMW does not fit in with the hot-hatch style of today. It’s simply dull and I wouldn’t be happy driving it. Surely its a very good handling car with RWD and a much more higher quality interior. But its one of BMW’s weakest cars. Brand new hot-hatches today cost around 40K+. Civic Type-r, Mini Cooper S, focus XR5 Turbo, Golf Gti, lancer ralliart sportback, Megane Sport, WRX and maybe the Fiat 500 Abarth if it was available here. The WRX, lancer ralliart and the 3 MPS are one of the fastest hot-hatches to buy in that price range. Most European cars like Mercedes and BMW have their greatest cars costing 80K+. They don’t concentrate on their cheapest cars. Don’t bother with their cheapest brand new models, they are a waste of your money. If you want a hot-hatch European car that is worth buying, check this out.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/31.....-r-debuts/
If only they could put it for sale here.
I love my little Mk1 Mazda MPS , but you guys are dreaming comparing its in gear times with the 135i.I have software on mine(185wkw) and the 135’s absolutely walk you.
Great little car though.
Well apart from all the postings that have NOTHING to do with the Mazda 3 MPS, can I ask, has anyone actually brought one of these? If so, would you buy it again after driving it for more than the ‘10 min’ test drive?
Personally, I dont care what is better, the Golf, or WRX or some other boy racer, I just want to know from those who actually own one, is this any good?
I have enjoyed the 2 30 min test drives I have had, yet as I cant drive one for a week I am interested to know what it is like as a day to day car.
Can anyone help?
On the weekend I drove both the SP25 and the Maxx Sport both auto. I found the Maxx Sport to be lively with more throttle response and quit inside. Ths SP25 sounded like a front load washing machine and I do not think the extra 3K is worth it for the SP25 – only thing I would like in the Maxx Sport would be the Auto A/C. The SP25 did not feel any quicker than the SP25 and this may be dues to the it being near 80kg heavier that the Maxx Sport. I think that Mazda needs to reduce litre size and add turbo / supercharger to smaller, fuel efficent engines – I also think that Mazda makes excellent Rotary motors and many years ago, I have a hand full of rotary models. (put a rotary in the 3) If Mazda made piston engines like Honda, then we would have a nice package.
Thoughts anybody.
Ted