Mazda is now expanding the Mazda3 line-up with an all-new Mazda Performance Series (MPS) flagship version that is sure to make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat faster. It is a unique combination of exhilarating fun and everyday compact car practicality.
It inherits an evolved version of the high-performance MZR 2.3-litre DISI petrol from the previous MPS, has a dynamic design based on the new hatchback that’s even more emotional than its predecessor, with a refined driving experience, more comfort, and a long list of new technical features as standard.
The all-new Mazda3 MPS replaces a flagship model that has been a popular sports car around the world since launch in 2006. In just two years, the first-generation Mazda3 MPS quickly made a name for itself by selling 31,100 units globally, a third of them in the USA. Europe is its second-largest market for sales, with one out of every five Mazda3 MPS finding owners here, a total of 6,300 units. The first-generation’s biggest markets in Europe are the UK and Germany, which account for a third of all sales in Europe, followed by Switzerland and Spain.
The new model enters a European C non-premium sports compact segment that grew steadily until 2008, when sales decreased for the first time since 2004 due to the economic downturn at the end of the calendar year. Yet the Mazda3 MPS was very successful between 2007 and 2008, coming from a zero percent market share to take 4.5% of the segment by the end of 2008. This brought new kinds of customers to the brand and helped Mazda solidify its sporty Zoom-Zoom reputation.
Interior
- Driver-oriented cockpit and dashboard for a wrap-around, sporty feel
- New meters with red MPS logo
- New LCD turbo-boost gauge between the driver metres
- New multi-information display (MID) including integrated navigation system (standard or option, depending on market)
- 10-speaker Bose® premium surround-sound system, with Audiopilot2® noise compensation and Centerpoint® surround system (standard or option depending on market)
- Hands-free system for Bluetooth®-equipped cell phones and mobile audio players (standard in most markets)
- Special semi-bucket front sport seats in half leather with superior fit
- Special MPS black interior with red graphic design throughout the cabin (on seats, door trim and dashboard) and red stitching on door trim, steering wheel, gearshift lever and sliding centre armrest
Powertrain
- One of the world’s most powerful front-wheel drive compact cars with a high-performance MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo petrol Euro V engine, producing 191 kW/260 PS at 5,500 rpm, and high torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm
- In-cylinder cooling effect from direct injection realizes ca. 10 percent more torque compared to conventional-intake engines with same displacement
- Advanced boost pressure control suppresses sudden torque peaks for linear torque development
- Left and right drive shafts optimized to minimize torque steer
- Torque-sensing super limited-slip differential (LSD) as standard
- Top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds
- Aerodynamic performance, engine calibration, electric hydraulic power-assisted steering, and slightly higher gear ratios keep fuel consumption at a moderate level
- Sportier engine sound with dual exhaust pipes that are 10 dB quieter than the previous MPS single exhaust at engine speeds over 5,000 rpm
- The world’s first single-nanotechnology catalytic converter helps reduce the amount of precious metals needed
- Six-speed manual transmission with slightly wider gear ratios than before
- Triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear for optimised gearshift operation
- Low-viscosity transmission fluid reduces shift effort when the engine is cold
