2010 Mazdaspeed3 MPS review and pictures

Mazdaspeed3 MPS review:

Sharing the spotlight in Geneva is the next-generation Mazda 3 MPS, one of the world`s most powerful front-wheel drive compact cars. It takes the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback as its base and raises it to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine, increased body shell rigidity and an evolved suspension. To this it adds exclusive design cues and materials to deliver a next-generation compact flagship that is even more fun to own and drive than the current model.

On top of its high performance level - one of the best in the category - the all-new Mazda 3 MPS was developed according to Mazda`s long-term vision for technology development. Advanced Mazda engine and catalytic converter technologies mean the new model has an optimized power delivery, uses less fuel, and has cleaner emissions than the previous Mazda 3 MPS model.

Exterior Design

Front end

A new air intake for the intercooler is introduced to the centre of the all-new Mazda 3 MPS bonnet, hinting at the power underneath. The front fender and front bumper designs are exclusive to the MPS, while subtle intonation added to the surface and character lines give the exterior an expressive and dynamic flair. The front grille and lower bumper sections share the same black metallic paint finish. These are framed by cylindrical bi-xenon headlamps and round fog lamps, to underscore the car`s premium character (standard or option, depending on market).

Silhouette and rear end

At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving side character lines, along with a side under spoiler, accentuate the car`s sporty, low centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances out the tight look begun by the new front end and adds to the compact`s aggressive image. LED tail lamps have an inner lens that adds a sense of greater transparency when the lamps are not lit.

One the segment`s best for aerodynamic performance

The all-new Mazda 3 MPS has an exterior design that continues the current model`s top aerodynamic performance. Beginning with the all-new Mazda 3 5-door hatchback, which has one of the segment`s lowest coefficients of drag, MPS developers added a number of exterior features optimised for aerodynamic efficiency. These include the large front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front under spoiler. The result is aerodynamic performance that provides stability and easy control when travelling straight, changing lanes, or overtaking other vehicles at high speeds. The shape of the A-pillars and door mirrors were also designed keeping aerodynamic efficiency in mind, while increased rigidity around the door sashes, delivers improved sealing of the doors to reduce wind noise.

Wheels and tyres

Mazda introduces all-new 18-inch (18 x 7.5J) aluminium alloy wheels designed exclusively for the Mazda 3 MPS using the same design theme as the Mazda RX-8 wheels. These have a strong, three-dimensional form that helps the car look nimble and aggressive when seen from the side.

Interior design

Front seat area

The dashboard of the new Mazda 3 MPS is designed to give a roomy feel at the front. This is combined with a large centre console and a driver-orientated, wrap-around cockpit with just the right feeling of snugness. Exacting calculation was applied to designing the slant of the centre console and in positioning the gearshift lever closer to the driver.

New turbo boost gauge

The hoodless independent blackout speedometer and tachometer express sportiness through their design. The tachometer features a red MPS logo and a needle that travels 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other Mazda 3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters, which heightens the car`s high-performance feel.

Semi-bucket front seats

The all-new MPS provides semi-bucket front seats for a great fit and exceptional torso and thigh support, a real must in a car this sporty. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback length is extended to provide greater support. The MPS upholstery features an exclusive black base colour with a red graphic design and red stitching.

Materials and colour

Developers were careful in selecting materials and surface finishes for the interior that will excite the driver and passengers every time they take a seat in the car. Black is the keynote colour employed throughout the interior, while the seats and trim fabric have an organic red graphic design. This MPS-exclusive design is distributed throughout, with red stitching enhancing the sporty interior character on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest.

Powertrain - Exhilarating Driving and Euro Stage V Compliance

The power and easy-to-control torque characteristics of the new Mazda 3 MPS turbo petrol engine are combined with an optimised gear ratio that ensures smooth shift operation for sporty driving. This is matched to a stiffer body, a suspension system with greater damping strength, Mazda`s electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), as well as specially tuned brakes. Together, they deliver a high-performance package with precise, controllable handling, and powerful braking that is fun to drive on a daily basis.

Chassis - Safe and Predictable

High body rigidity and specially tuned suspension

Based on the highly rigid body of the Mazda 3 5-door hatchback, the all-new MPS version adds reinforcements inside the front cowl member gussets to strengthen the joints between the rear suspension towers and rear floorboard, and employs a large tunnel member. These and other local reinforcements effectively increase body rigidity and greatly improve the new model`s dynamic robustness.


Newly-developed tyres

The Dunlop 225/40R18 tyres for the MPS are wider than on the previous model. By improving the grip of the tyres, the rigidity of their sidewalls and damping strength - along with the systems that bear the input from the tires, including body rigidity, suspension rigidity, and steering support rigidity - the new Mazda 3 MPS delivers response with a more direct feel, and a stronger sense of oneness between the driver and car. The result is a sporty drive that is more precise than on the previous model, even at high speeds. It delivers better response, greater stability and a flatter ride with fewer undulations, even when entering sharp curves or traversing wavy road surfaces. To ensure this, extensive high-speed test drives were conducted at Germany`s Nürburgring.

Steering updates and EHPAS

The new Mazda 3 MPS now employs three highly rigid steering gear mount bushings instead of the two used on the previous model. The system also features electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), which adjusts control in accordance with vehicle speed and steering angle to realize precise, solid response for an outstanding feel to steering wheel operation. Control is set for more accurate response to vehicle speed, providing a lighter feeling at slower speeds and a firmer, confidence-inspiring feeling at higher speeds. Steering is direct and sharp at just 2.7 turns from lock to lock.

Robust brakes and new electronic brake assist

Large diameter 320 mm ventilated disc brakes in the front and 280 mm solid discs in the rear combine with an 8+9 inch tandem brake booster and 1-inch large diameter master cylinder to realize powerful and stable braking. Electronic brake assist replaces the previous mechanical system, and four-wheel ABS and DSC are also standard equipment.

Mazda 3 MPS dimensions and specifications for EU

Dimensions
Overall length: 4,505 mm
Overall height: 1,460 mm
Overall width: 1,770 mm
Wheelbase: 2,640 mm
Treads (front/rear): 1,535 mm/1,520 mm
Luggage capacity: 300 l with Bose® System
Drive train: FWD
Engine: MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo
Displacement: 2,261 cm3
Bore x stroke: 87.5 mm x 94.0 mm
Fuel tank capacity : 60 l
Max. output : 260 PS (191 kW) at 5,500 rpm
Max. torque: 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm
Fuel consumption
Combined: 9.2 l / 100 km
Urban: 13.5 l / 100 km
Extra urban: 7.5 l / 100 km
Emissions ranking: Euro Stage V
Exhaust system: single-nanotechnology
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
Differential: Torque-sensing Limited Slip Differential
Performance
Max. speed: 250 km/h
0-100km/h (EU): 6.1 s
Steering: Electro-hydraulic power assisted system
Turn lock-to-lock: 2.7
Min. turning circle: 11 m
Suspension, front: MacPherson strut
Suspension, rear: Multi-link
Coil spring rate, front: D26.8 N/mm
Coil spring rate, rear: D29.9 N/mm
Dampers, front: Twintube
Dampers, rear: Monotube
Stabilizer diameter, front: 26 mm
Stabilizer diameter, rear: 25 mm
Front brake type, diameter: Ventilated discs, 320 mm
Rear brake type, diameter: Solid discs, 280 mm
Coefficient of drag: 0.32 Cd
Brake booster: 8" + 9" tandem booster & large 1" diameter master cylinder
Tyres, wheels: Dunlop 225/40 R18, 18x7.5J