The new Mazda3 MPS is arriving in the UK on 1st October, and Mazda has released UK price and specifications.
We really rate the new Mazda3, as we never fail to point out. And the Mazda3 MPS is a very good performance version of Mazda’s Ford Focus beater. Driven by a 2.3 litre petrol engine that delivers 256bhp and 0-60 mph in 6 seconds, the MPS looks set to compete head-on with the best on offer from Ford and VW.
Mazda has chosen to have just one MPS model which will come in at £21,500 otr. And the spec is good, including Bluetooth, surround-sound BOSE, a new MID (multi information display) with a compact satellite navigation system that uses a high-resolution 11 cm (4.1 inch) screen mounted in the dashboard’s upper section and auto dual zone climate control air conditioning. Not too shoddy at all.
On the oily side, the MPS gets a six speed box and a torque sensing limited slip diff, which should help with torque-steer. An electronic throttle and electronic boost pressure control are said to eliminate turbo lag, and the wider ratios in the six-speed ‘box, together with lower viscosity fludi make the ‘box much more usable when its cold.
The suspension on the MPS gets lowered in comparison to all the other Mazda3 models, and the front suspension and the multi-link rear suspension have higher spring rates, larger stabiliser (anti-roll) bars and higher-performance dampers for a flatter ride with less roll.
Good car the Mazda3. The MPS should be a lot of fun. On sale in the UK on the 1st October at £21,500.
Mazda3 MPS Specifications
Safety & Security
All-disc braking system with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS)
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
TCS (Traction Control System)
Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) system
Rain-sensitive automatic front wipers
Dusk-sensing automatic headlights
Tyre pressure warning system
Driver & passenger front airbags
Front side & curtain airbags
Active front seat head restraints
Adaptive Brake Lights
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Thatcham Category 1 anti-theft alarm and engine immobiliser
Exterior
Unique MPS Styling Kit (including bonnet scoop, front and rear sports bumpers, side skirts and large rear spoiler)
18 x 7.5-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres
Body-coloured bumpers
Body-coloured door handles and door mirror housings
Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
Sports front fog lamps
Rear lights with LED technology
Tinted windscreen and tinted glass
Heated front windscreen
Rear privacy glass
Electric heated folding door mirrors
Rear parking distance sensors
Metallic paint (foc)
Comfort & Convenience
Smart remote keyless Entry & Start system
Remote central locking with dead locks
Electric front windows, with one-touch auto down (driver’s side only)
Electric rear windows and global closure
Automatic dual zone climate control air conditioning
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Remote release fuel filler flap
Remote boot release
Enhanced Welcome Mode Lighting
Interior
Unique MPS part leather black sports trim
Height & reach-adjustable leather steering wheel with audio controls
Leather gear knob and handbrake lever
Aluminium foot pedals
Sports-style heated front seats
Half leather trim
Height adjustable driver’s seat
Lumbar adjustable driver’s seat
Front centre console with armrest, storage and cup holders
Rear central armrest with 2 cupholders
Lockable glovebox
Twin sun visors
Overhead console with sunglasses holder
Multi Information Display (MID)
Trip computer
Satellite navigation system with 4.1-inch colour display
Combined Bluetooth® phone & MP3-player control system
AM/FM radio and 6-CD auto changer
Premium BOSE® audio system with 10 speakers
Auxiliary (AUX) input jack for connecting MP3 players
Blackout meters in instrument cluster
Technical
2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 260ps output
6-speed manual transmission
Cruise control
Sports exhaust system
Lowered suspension
All-new Mazda3 MPS / Performance & Economy
5-door | 0-62mph | Top speed | Combined | Urban | Extra-Urban |
2.3 MPS | 6.1 | 155 | 29.4 | 21.4 | 37.7 |
All-new Mazda3 MPS / Price List – October 2009
5-door | Power | ‘On the road’ | Emissions | Road Fund | Insurance |
2.3 MPS | 260 | £21,500 | 224 | K | 17E |
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