The latest Mazda3 MPS, or Mazdaspeed 3 as some call it, goes on sale on 1st October and it’s going to be a bit of a bargain.
Priced at just £21,500 on the road the MPS will undercut it’s competition and yet offer more power and plenty of goodies.
Power comes from a 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that provides a healthy 256bhp and 280lb.ft of torque. The 0-62 sprint is over in just 6.1 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and there’s a torque-sensing limited-slip differential to stop you shredding the front tyres.
While the Mazda3 MPS may not have the power to beat the new Focus RS, Golf R and Leon Cupra R, it certainly does beat the like of the Astra VXR, Focus ST, Golf GTI, Civic Type R and Leon Cupra.
The MPS is easy to spot thanks to a huge intercooler scoop in the bonnet and a massive rear spoiler. Other sporty touches include 18-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlights and LED tail lights.
Included in the price are a choice of metallic or mica paint, Bluetooth technology, a premium BOSE surround-sound audio system with 10 speakers, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front bucket sports seats, a new hi-res 11cm information display with a built-in satellite navigation system, and automatic dual zone climate control air conditioning.
