Geneva motor show: March 6, 2009. Mark the date because that's when Mazda's lighter, harder, faster 3 MPS hatch is due for debut.
As per the regular 3, the second-generation MPS is based on the current C1 front-drive platform, albeit tweaked, upgraded and stripped of weight. Power will be served up by an updated version of the current 190kW/380Nm, 2.3-litre turbocharged engine.
The MPS' dynamic skill set has also been polished in the off-season, with leaks from Hiroshima suggesting Mazda has concentrated on improving the boost-limiting and torque-trimming engine electronics to improve drivability when steering lock is applied and wide-open throttle demanded. Anyone who has driven the current car in the wet would agree this can only be a positive move...
These dynamic tweaks appear to have paid off, too, with the new car carving a sizeable chunk out of the current model's 8m 39sec Nürburgring time, according to sources in Japan.
Expect the MPS in Oz late in 2009.
Caption: Boosty - Mazda's 2260cc DI turbo unit won't produce any more power, but efficiency has been improved, as has "real-world performance" with more linear power and torque delivery.