Mazda3 MPS. I know three words / Mazda test drives

Mazda3 MPS. Price: from 1,203,000 RUB. On sale: since 2009

Mazda Performance Series — this is the badge that distinguishes one of the brightest hot hatches on the civilian market. The second generation of the model only strengthened this reputation. We got to know the new model on German autobahns, where there are no speed limits.

Test pilot

Sergey Krestov, 28 years old, automotive journalist, 10 years of driving experience, personal car — Opel Corsa

2009 Mazda3 MPS
© Photo: Mazda

The previous MPS suffered from a split personality. Outwardly unremarkable, it was the most powerful front-wheel-drive hatchback of its time and at the same time absolutely unpredictable to drive. Powerful acceleration surges, hissing during acceleration, and a steering wheel that tore out of your hands — all this did not add confidence. Now we have a new MPS in bright red. The first thing that catches your eye is the large air intake on the hood, reminiscent of Subaru, the "smiling" front bumper with the MPS badge, and a massive rear spoiler that not only looks aggressive but, as engineers claim, reduces lift. The look is completed by a dual exhaust that leaves no doubt about the car's sporty character.

What about the inside? The interior of the new "three" is decorated with red stitching, and red generally dominates: the numbers on the instruments, seat inserts, panel plastic — everything is done in red tones. Between the speedometer and tachometer pods, an electronic turbo pressure indicator has appeared, and the speedometer itself is now marked up to 280 km/h. While I was examining the interior, I noticed my colleague, pulling out of the parking spot, jerk and stall. "Amateur," I thought. And at that very moment my car stalled in the middle of the parking lot. You have to get used to the stiff clutch, but the other controls immediately felt familiar: a dense, comfortable steering wheel, a leather gear knob with short throws, and pedals with aluminum overlays. But the main surprise was waiting on the move. This is a completely different car. It seems that not only the generation but also the class has changed. There is no trace of the nervousness of the previous MPS. The engineers did not create a new chassis but decided to instill good manners into the old foundations. Thanks to longer gears and a recalibrated engine control program, the hatch accelerates to 100 km/h in the same 6.1 seconds, but the acceleration has become smoother, without extreme jerks. The use of half-shafts of different lengths eliminated the steering wheel from tearing out of your hands during acceleration, and the steering itself has become more precise due to an increased number of attachment points for the steering column.

2009 Mazda3 MPS
© Photo: Mazda

Getting onto the autobahn, I was amazed at how comfortably the MPS behaves at high speeds. The Mazda confidently holds its line, and the torquey engine pulls great in sixth gear from 100 km/h to the electronic limiter at 250 km/h. Improved sound insulation allowed my colleague and me to talk at autobahn speeds without raising our voices. The idyll was only disturbed by a slight vibration of the hood after 200 km/h. But we had winding country roads ahead. In search of scenic spots for photo shoots, we found a deserted serpentine. What a pleasure it was to fly along the winding German roads! The engineers recalibrated the stability control system, and now it very delicately brakes the unloaded wheel, assisting the differential lock. As a result — no smoke from under the wheels or dangerous drifts, only fast and confident cornering. Just ease off the throttle before a turn to load the front wheels, and, flooring the pedal, you feel the car literally being pulled into the corner. Body roll is minimal thanks to new stiffer stabilizer bars, and wider, stickier tires hold the car firmly on its line. The new Mazda3 MPS has shed the hysteria of its predecessor, matured, but retained its speed and excitement.

Love it or hate it

2009 Mazda3 MPS
© Photo: Mazda

The new MPS can be opened without taking the key out of your pocket. The main thing is that the very key is in that very pocket… Convenient

In the 300-liter trunk, you can "give a ride" to a couple of small suitcases with a breeze. Pleasant

Driving
The car behaves much better on high-speed autobahns and is more stable during acceleration.

Interior
More premium materials have appeared. The only thing to nitpick is the different colors of the instrument and screen backlighting.

2009 Mazda3 MPS
© Photo: Mazda

Comfort
The concept of comfort is conditional here, but the new MPS is quite suitable as a daily driver.

Safety
The new stability control system allows even beginners to drive without fear.

Price
The pleasure is expensive.

Pros and cons

+ Excellent dynamics and handling. Convenience of the five-door body. Improved comfort.
- High road tax. Only 98-octane fuel. Fixed trim levels.

Specifications

Make and model — Mazda3 MPS
Dimensions — 4505x1770x1460 mm
Engine — petrol, 2261 cc, 260 hp/5500 rpm
Transmission — manual, 6-speed
Performance — max 250 km/h; 6.1 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus ST.

Our opinion

The new Mazda3 MPS has not lost speed compared to its predecessor, but at the same time, high-speed stability has significantly increased, sound insulation has improved, and overall the "three" has begun to look like a more expensive car. Now the model can be confidently recommended as a daily driver: take the family to the dacha on weekends, and secretly head to the race track yourself.