
The ultimate Zoom-Zoom hatch .
It all starts with the sporting style and dynamic driving DNA of the renowned Mazda3. Add formidable turbocharged power, a specially tuned chassis and a more purposeful, aggressive stance on the road. And the result? The hottest hatch we've ever built, the Mazda3 MPS. Welcome to Zoom-Zoom, taken to the limit.
With its compact, lightweight body, maximum power of 190kW @ 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 380Nm @ 3,000rpm, Mazda3 MPS is one of the highest performance small cars with front-wheel drive on the road today. The 2.3 litre Direct Injection Spark Ignition turbocharged engine is capable of propelling the Mazda3 MPS from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
"Mazda3 MPS dramatically reinforces the acclaimed dynamics of the original Mazda3 and delivers maximum driving pleasure through outstanding performance and superior chassis performance," said Tatsuo Maeda, Programme Manager.
Like the new Mazda3, the Mazda3 MPS features a body with high rigidity. The Mazda3 MPS is based on the Mazda3 Hatch, with local reinforcements added to realise a body sufficiently stiff and robust to stand up to the extra demands of sporty driving. Suspension and brakes have also been specially tuned for the Mazda3 MPS. These improvements assure a body and chassis capable of easily handling the extremely high power delivered by the 2.3 DISI turbo engine.
One look inside the Mazda3 MPS and your blood will begin to run hot. A black toned interior creates an ambience of quality. MPS logos and red stitching on the seats combine with a leather clad gear knob to announce sporting intent. The semi-bucket front seats provide firm support, locating you perfectly to enjoy the performance at hand. Drilled aluminium pedals and stainless steel scuff plates mark the cabin out as a place for spirited driving.
The visually arresting sports instrumentation features a blackout style speedometer in the central position, right where you need it. Amber-red backlighting and indirect blue illumination improve readability while also minimising fatigue during dusk and night driving. Audio and cruise-control buttons are steering wheel mounted, leaving your eyes to concentrate on the road. Other features include climate control air-conditioning and an MP3 compatible 6-disc CD player.
High quality materials and craftsmanship enhance the feeling of comfort. And if you'd like the looks to go with your performance, look no further than the optional Sports Pack. Its bucket seats feature half leather trim matched with premium fabric. Obviously the ideal place from which to enjoy the superb 222 watt BOSE® audio system with subwoofer.
Low beam Xenon headlamps boasting auto-levelling and washer function combine with high gloss alloy wheels to add impact outside.
Mazda3 MPS styling conveys the ultimate in dynamic performance at a glance. Characterized by boldly flared front fenders, and effective use of strong edges on the bonnet. These combine with the aero bumpers and spoilers for outstanding aerodynamic performance, to take Zoom-Zoom to the limit.
Overall, Mazda3 MPS's design is sporty and strong, befitting a high performance model, without exaggerated styling cues. Instead, the focus is on creating a refined presence, which you can take pride in. This approach is an important facet of MPS design DNA, also adopted for the Mazda6 MPS.
The integrated form of the 5-door hatch was the starting point for the individual statement Mazda3 MPS makes about the Zoom-Zoom spirit. Although it has an athletic form befitting a high-performance model, it also realises a refined, supple look. Front fenders are 20 mm wider than on the standard Mazda3 model to provide clearance for the large 18-inch tyres and to evoke a well-planted stance.
Two design elements are shared with the Mazda6 MPS: strong press lines flowing back along the bonnet from the upper part of the five-point grille used as the air intake for the intercooler, and the aerodynamically shaped front bumper and large lower grille serving as the air intake for the radiator.
Additionally, the "floating image" angular fog lamps used here for the first time are indicative of the vehicle's unique personality. An athletic yet elegant side view is created by aerodynamic side skirts and 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminium alloy wheels.
The rear view is characterised by the design of the rear bumper, which suggests stableroad-hold, the tailpipe with large diameter (95 mm) and the roof spoiler with integrated high-mounted LED brake lights. These items add up to a tautly defined rear design that is instantly recognizable as the Mazda3 MPS to other drivers who will see it pass.
A compact, lightweight body makes the Mazda3 the ideal foundation for a performance car. Already extremely rigid, the chassis has been specially reinforced to offer greater stiffness. So even during the most demanding driving, accurate handling is assured.
Suspension has also been uprated in line with performance. Both the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear set-ups boast higher rate springs, stiffer dampers and larger diameter roll bars than standard. With a 60% increase in roll stiffness, the MPS promises control and agility in every corner.
The 6-speed transmission is built for excitement too. Triple cone synchronisers on first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchroniser on fourth mean fast, clean shifts are yours to enjoy all the way through to sixth. And when you get to sixth you'll savour quiet, relaxed cruising and improved fuel economy.
To make sure every drive is gripping, a Limited Slip Differential has been included. By optimising the distribution of torque between the driven front wheels, traction is maximised for predictable, linear control through corners.
Brakes are just as reassuring. Large diameter 4-wheel discs guarantee there's all the stopping power you need to match the performance. Exhilaration and control. Mazda3 MPS gives you plenty of both.
Driving thrills are never far away in the Mazda3 MPS. The Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbocharged engine delivers huge torque in the low to mid rev range. Indeed, with 85% of torque on tap from just 2000rpm, powerful thrust is yours in an instant. It's made possible by an advanced direct injection system coupled with a durable, lightweight turbocharger, virtually eliminating turbo lag. Direct injection also enables a higher compression ratio of 9.5:1, helping to improve fuel economy. The environment also benefits from this system. An incredibly fine fuel mixture prevents misfire and allows delayed ignition, creating a higher exhaust gas temperature. This heats the catalytic converter more quickly, boosting efficiency and lowering emissions.
But it's the performance that really turns up the heat. Thanks to an electronically controlled turbo boost system and drive-by-wire throttle, 190 kilowatts of power and 380 Newton metres of torque are at your command. And with all that power comes total control. Intake volume and boost pressure are managed to ensure smooth, linear torque delivery. Torque application is optimised to provide appropriate take off power. This also means response through the steering wheel is always controlled and precise.