This generation of Mazda3 has been with us since 2010, but it is starting to feel kind of old. Maybe that’s because Mazda has let go of that smiley face in their newer products, or maybe that’s because since then we’ve been getting too many new and cool looking hatchbacks. Now Mazda decided to release an upgraded version of the MPS (Speed3 in the US) for 2013.
The new MPS follows the same upgrade routine applied to the 2012 Mazda3 lineup, and gets slightly tweaked looks and interior. But this being a high performance super-hatch, it also gets some exclusive features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, and sleek Black Mica finish for the inner part of the roof spoiler, door mirror housings and lower rear bumper trim. The hole in the car’s face remains untreated.
The performance hasn’t been changed, but then with 260ps and 380Nm of torque it is already pretty satisfying. The car does 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 155 mph. The power is delivered via a six-speed manual gearbox to a limited-slip differential at the front. The MPS also features a dual exhaust system for greater acoustic appeal.
As always, the best thing about the Mazda3 is the amount of kit you get for the money you pay. The new Mazda3 MPS costs £23,995, which is great value for a car with that level of performance, but it also comes as standard with Bi-Xenon headlights with swivel-type Adaptive Front Light System (AFS), front fog lamps, a radar-based rear vehicle monitoring (RVM) system and larger, 320mm diameter ventilated front disc brakes.
available colours include metallic/mica/pearlescent colours – Aluminium Silver, Black Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red.
