Last Friday, The Motor Report attended the press day of the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show to bring you the big news and unveillings as they happened. However, there was one big reveal that was noticeable by its absence: that of the Mazda3 MPS.
Thanks to Mazda’s desire to feature a simultaneous debut of its latest performance offering with the Geneva Motor Show, Melbourne Motor Show visitors have had to wait until today to see the Mazda3 MPS in the flesh.
So of course, I packed my camera once again and trotted down to Jeff’s Shed to take a look.
The 2009 Mazda3 MPS promises to be a simply mental experience for any who choose to buy one, with the previous generation’s MZR 2.3 litre DISI engine punching 191kW (256hp) and 380Nm (280lb-ft) of torque through the front wheels.
Zero to 100km/h can be knocked on its arse in 6.1 seconds, as the Mazda3 MPS storms to a top speed of 250km/h.
Triple-cone synchros on the first three gears means the new MPS’ transmission offers an improved shifting feel, while wider gear ratios allow the driver to get the most out of the big torque band.
The 2009 Mazda3 MPS’ body benefits from reinforcements and increased rigidity, with the centre tunnel and cowl member receiving added gussets to that end.
It’s simply a new animal – nothing has been left untouched. The sway bars are thicker, the bushings harder, and the spring and damper rates stiffer. Huge 320mm discs on the front and 280mm discs to the rear ensure the brakes will pull you up in good order, and electronic brake assist is there to help.
From a styling perspective, Mazda’s designers have hit a six (err… three?) with the new 3 MPS. While the now familiar Mazda family smile is slapped across its face, this time it’s a smile murderous intent, rather than the gleeful cheeriness of the regular Mazda3.
A MPS badge sits prominently on the side of the smile, like a chunk of bullet shrapnel caught in the teeth of a deranged supervillian.
The bonnet scoop streaks back and sinks deep into the body of the bonnet, rather than rising up too far into the driver’s field of view. The same aggressive, deliberate nature is present in its design, without it being a visual hindrance from behind the wheel.
The rear end is perhaps a little tamer than the rest of the 3 MPS’ aesthetic offerings, with only a (admittedly sizeable) roof spoiler sitting above a huge bumper wearing a pair of moderate exhaust tips protruding from a par-for-the-course glossy grey faux diffuser.
The attendants at the Mazda stand weren’t ready to let anyone cosy up behind the steering wheel just yet, but there’s nothing in there we haven’t all seen. Similarly, the engine bay was strictly off limits.
We’ve covered the Mazda3 MPS plenty in the past, but there’s also the press release below for those seriously considering taking the plunge.