Mazda has only given us preliminary details for its forthcoming Mazda3 MPS hot hatch, due to be revealed at the
Geneva Motor Show early next month. First glance suggests that the Mazda3 MPS looks to be another serious contender for front-wheel drive hot hatch honours.
The only mechanical details we have been given include a 2.3-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine and front-wheel drive. If the same engine tune is used as we recently drove in the Mazda6 MPS, that means nearly 260bhp being fed through a six-speed manual gearbox. Sadly, the Mazda3 MPS will not feature four-wheel drive.
Like the Mazda6 MPS, the Mazda3 version is relatively restrained, though the add-ons really suit the pert styling of the regular Mazda3 (itself due for a freshen-up at the Geneva Show). A discreet body kit appears to include a deeper front bumper (incorporating oblong fog lights), side skirts, a rear apron and a roof-mounted spoiler. Sadly, the distinctive rear diffuser and double exhausts of the Mazda6 MPS have not been used.
Also on display in Geneva will be the cool
Mazda Kabura concept coupe (shown at last month's
Detroit Motor Show) and a Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept vehicle powered by a RENESIS rotary dual-fuel engine (it can use hydrogen or gasoline) and an electric motor.
Shane O' Donoghue - 17 Feb 2006