The New Mazda3 MPS
05 Mar 2009|7,460 views
The next-generation Mazda3 MPS takes the all-new Mazda3 hatchback as its base and raises it to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre direct-injection spark ignition (DISI) turbo petrol engine, increased bodyshell rigidity and an evolved suspension.
Exterior Design
Front end
A new air intake for the intercooler is introduced to the centre of the all-new Mazda3 MPS bonnet, hinting at the power house 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.
Profile and rear end
At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving character lines, along with a side skirt, accentuate the car's sporty, lower centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances 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 illuminated.
One the segment's best for aerodynamic performance
The all-new Mazda3 MPS has an exterior design that continues the current model's top aerodynamic performance. Beginning with the all-new Mazda3 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 larger front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front underfloor 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.
Interior design
Front seat area
The dashboard of the new Mazda3 MPS is designed to give a roomy feeling at the front of the cabin. This is combined with a large centre console and a driver-orientated, wrap-around cockpit with just the right feeling of snugness. Exacting calculations were applied to designing the angle of the centre console towards the driver 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 through 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other new Mazda3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters that 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 that is designed to be driven hard. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback height 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 Mazda3 MPS. 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 on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest enhancing the sporty character of the cabin.
Engine - high-performance DISI technology
The all-new Mazda3 MPS is powered by Mazda's MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and continues to deliver a maximum output of 260 hp at 5,500 rpm and generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm - the same as the current model. As a result, the new MPS comfortably delivers a top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. To ensure that the Mazda3 MPS could handle such a powertrain, engineers realised the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity in the bodyshell through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting - including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel.
The latent heat of vaporisation generated by the MZR 2.3L Turbo when atomised fuel is injected directly into a cylinder at pressures of up to 11.5 MPa, reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber (in-cylinder cooling effect) and improves air-fuel mixture charging efficiency.
When compared to turbo engines injecting fuel via regular intake ports, this approach increases torque of the new Mazda3 MPS by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm. This results in a smooth flat torque curve with plenty of power that is easy to control using a single-scroll turbo charger. The intercooler is the same size as on the previous model, but the new air intake mounted on the bonnet delivers a greater volume of cool air that better ensures stable cooling performance.
Six-speed manual transmission
The transmission of the new Mazda3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length of the gearbox the same as a five-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a high sixth gear ratio (0.853:1) that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear ratio is a little higher than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of the shift between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.
Triple-cone synchronisers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchroniser for fourth gear optimise the amount of strength required to make shifts and establish the right balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to gearshift operation. In addition, the transmission is lubricated with low-viscosity hydraulic fluid, which greatly reduces the effort required for shifting when the engine and transmission are cold.
New Mazda3 MPS Technical Specifications for EU
(Subject to homologation)
Exterior Design
Front end
 |
Profile and rear end
At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving character lines, along with a side skirt, accentuate the car's sporty, lower centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances 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 illuminated.
One the segment's best for aerodynamic performance
The all-new Mazda3 MPS has an exterior design that continues the current model's top aerodynamic performance. Beginning with the all-new Mazda3 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 larger front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front underfloor 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.
Interior design
Front seat area
 |
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 through 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other new Mazda3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters that 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 that is designed to be driven hard. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback height 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 Mazda3 MPS. 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 on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest enhancing the sporty character of the cabin.
Engine - high-performance DISI technology
The all-new Mazda3 MPS is powered by Mazda's MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and continues to deliver a maximum output of 260 hp at 5,500 rpm and generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm - the same as the current model. As a result, the new MPS comfortably delivers a top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. To ensure that the Mazda3 MPS could handle such a powertrain, engineers realised the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity in the bodyshell through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting - including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel.
The latent heat of vaporisation generated by the MZR 2.3L Turbo when atomised fuel is injected directly into a cylinder at pressures of up to 11.5 MPa, reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber (in-cylinder cooling effect) and improves air-fuel mixture charging efficiency.
When compared to turbo engines injecting fuel via regular intake ports, this approach increases torque of the new Mazda3 MPS by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm. This results in a smooth flat torque curve with plenty of power that is easy to control using a single-scroll turbo charger. The intercooler is the same size as on the previous model, but the new air intake mounted on the bonnet delivers a greater volume of cool air that better ensures stable cooling performance.
Six-speed manual transmission
The transmission of the new Mazda3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length of the gearbox the same as a five-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a high sixth gear ratio (0.853:1) that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear ratio is a little higher than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of the shift between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.
Triple-cone synchronisers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchroniser for fourth gear optimise the amount of strength required to make shifts and establish the right balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to gearshift operation. In addition, the transmission is lubricated with low-viscosity hydraulic fluid, which greatly reduces the effort required for shifting when the engine and transmission are cold.
New Mazda3 MPS Technical Specifications for EU
(Subject to homologation)
| Dimensions | ||
| Overall length | mm | 4,505 |
| Overall height | mm | 1,460 |
| Overall width | mm | 1,770 |
| Wheelbase | mm | 2,640 |
| Track (front/rear) | mm | 1,535 /1,520 |
| Luggage capacity | l | 340 (300 with Bose® System) |
| Drive train | FWD | |
| Engine | MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo | |
| Displacement | cc | 2,261 |
| Bore x stroke | mm | 87.5 x 94.0 |
| Fuel tank capacity | l | 60 |
| Max. output | kW/PS | 191/260 at 5,500 rpm |
| Max. torque | Nm | 380 at 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel consumption * | ||
| Combined | l/100km | 9.2 |
| Urban | l/100km | 13.5 |
| Extra urban | l/100km | 7.5 |
| CO2 emission (combined) | g\km | 217 |
| Emission | Euro Stage V | |
| Exhaust system | single-nanotechnology | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission | |
| Differential | Torque-sensing Limited Slip Differential | |
| Performance | ||
| Max. speed | km/h | 250 |
| 0-100 km/h (EU) | sec | 6.1 |
| Steering | Electro-hydraulic power assist system | |
| Turn lock-to-lock | 2.7 | |
| Min. turning circle | m | 11 |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut | |
| Suspension, rear | Multi-link | |
| Coil spring rate, front | N/mm | 26.8 |
| Coil spring rate, rear | N/mm | 29.9 |
| Dampers, front | Twin tube | |
| Dampers, rear | Mono tube | |
| Stabiliser diameter, front | mm | 26 |
| Stabiliser diameter, rear | mm | 25 |
| Front brake type, diameter | mm | Ventilated discs, 320 |
| Rear brake type, diameter | mm | Solid discs, 280 |
| Brake booster | 8” + 9” tandem booster & large 1” diameter master cylinder | |
| Tyres, wheels | Dunlop 225/40 R18, 18 x 7.5J | |
The next-generation Mazda3 MPS takes the all-new Mazda3 hatchback as its base and raises it to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre direct-injection spark ignition (DISI) turbo petrol engine, increased bodyshell rigidity and an evolved suspension.
Exterior Design
Front end
A new air intake for the intercooler is introduced to the centre of the all-new Mazda3 MPS bonnet, hinting at the power house 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.
Profile and rear end
At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving character lines, along with a side skirt, accentuate the car's sporty, lower centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances 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 illuminated.
One the segment's best for aerodynamic performance
The all-new Mazda3 MPS has an exterior design that continues the current model's top aerodynamic performance. Beginning with the all-new Mazda3 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 larger front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front underfloor 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.
Interior design
Front seat area
The dashboard of the new Mazda3 MPS is designed to give a roomy feeling at the front of the cabin. This is combined with a large centre console and a driver-orientated, wrap-around cockpit with just the right feeling of snugness. Exacting calculations were applied to designing the angle of the centre console towards the driver 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 through 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other new Mazda3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters that 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 that is designed to be driven hard. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback height 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 Mazda3 MPS. 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 on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest enhancing the sporty character of the cabin.
Engine - high-performance DISI technology
The all-new Mazda3 MPS is powered by Mazda's MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and continues to deliver a maximum output of 260 hp at 5,500 rpm and generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm - the same as the current model. As a result, the new MPS comfortably delivers a top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. To ensure that the Mazda3 MPS could handle such a powertrain, engineers realised the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity in the bodyshell through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting - including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel.
The latent heat of vaporisation generated by the MZR 2.3L Turbo when atomised fuel is injected directly into a cylinder at pressures of up to 11.5 MPa, reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber (in-cylinder cooling effect) and improves air-fuel mixture charging efficiency.
When compared to turbo engines injecting fuel via regular intake ports, this approach increases torque of the new Mazda3 MPS by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm. This results in a smooth flat torque curve with plenty of power that is easy to control using a single-scroll turbo charger. The intercooler is the same size as on the previous model, but the new air intake mounted on the bonnet delivers a greater volume of cool air that better ensures stable cooling performance.
Six-speed manual transmission
The transmission of the new Mazda3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length of the gearbox the same as a five-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a high sixth gear ratio (0.853:1) that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear ratio is a little higher than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of the shift between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.
Triple-cone synchronisers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchroniser for fourth gear optimise the amount of strength required to make shifts and establish the right balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to gearshift operation. In addition, the transmission is lubricated with low-viscosity hydraulic fluid, which greatly reduces the effort required for shifting when the engine and transmission are cold.
New Mazda3 MPS Technical Specifications for EU
(Subject to homologation)
Exterior Design
Front end
|
Profile and rear end
At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving character lines, along with a side skirt, accentuate the car's sporty, lower centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances 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 illuminated.
One the segment's best for aerodynamic performance
The all-new Mazda3 MPS has an exterior design that continues the current model's top aerodynamic performance. Beginning with the all-new Mazda3 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 larger front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front underfloor 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.
Interior design
Front seat area
|
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 through 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other new Mazda3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters that 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 that is designed to be driven hard. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback height 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 Mazda3 MPS. 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 on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest enhancing the sporty character of the cabin.
Engine - high-performance DISI technology
The all-new Mazda3 MPS is powered by Mazda's MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and continues to deliver a maximum output of 260 hp at 5,500 rpm and generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm - the same as the current model. As a result, the new MPS comfortably delivers a top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. To ensure that the Mazda3 MPS could handle such a powertrain, engineers realised the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity in the bodyshell through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting - including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel.
The latent heat of vaporisation generated by the MZR 2.3L Turbo when atomised fuel is injected directly into a cylinder at pressures of up to 11.5 MPa, reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber (in-cylinder cooling effect) and improves air-fuel mixture charging efficiency.
When compared to turbo engines injecting fuel via regular intake ports, this approach increases torque of the new Mazda3 MPS by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm. This results in a smooth flat torque curve with plenty of power that is easy to control using a single-scroll turbo charger. The intercooler is the same size as on the previous model, but the new air intake mounted on the bonnet delivers a greater volume of cool air that better ensures stable cooling performance.
Six-speed manual transmission
The transmission of the new Mazda3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length of the gearbox the same as a five-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a high sixth gear ratio (0.853:1) that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear ratio is a little higher than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of the shift between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.
Triple-cone synchronisers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchroniser for fourth gear optimise the amount of strength required to make shifts and establish the right balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to gearshift operation. In addition, the transmission is lubricated with low-viscosity hydraulic fluid, which greatly reduces the effort required for shifting when the engine and transmission are cold.
New Mazda3 MPS Technical Specifications for EU
(Subject to homologation)
| Dimensions | ||
| Overall length | mm | 4,505 |
| Overall height | mm | 1,460 |
| Overall width | mm | 1,770 |
| Wheelbase | mm | 2,640 |
| Track (front/rear) | mm | 1,535 /1,520 |
| Luggage capacity | l | 340 (300 with Bose® System) |
| Drive train | FWD | |
| Engine | MZR 2.3-litre DISI Turbo | |
| Displacement | cc | 2,261 |
| Bore x stroke | mm | 87.5 x 94.0 |
| Fuel tank capacity | l | 60 |
| Max. output | kW/PS | 191/260 at 5,500 rpm |
| Max. torque | Nm | 380 at 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel consumption * | ||
| Combined | l/100km | 9.2 |
| Urban | l/100km | 13.5 |
| Extra urban | l/100km | 7.5 |
| CO2 emission (combined) | g\km | 217 |
| Emission | Euro Stage V | |
| Exhaust system | single-nanotechnology | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission | |
| Differential | Torque-sensing Limited Slip Differential | |
| Performance | ||
| Max. speed | km/h | 250 |
| 0-100 km/h (EU) | sec | 6.1 |
| Steering | Electro-hydraulic power assist system | |
| Turn lock-to-lock | 2.7 | |
| Min. turning circle | m | 11 |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut | |
| Suspension, rear | Multi-link | |
| Coil spring rate, front | N/mm | 26.8 |
| Coil spring rate, rear | N/mm | 29.9 |
| Dampers, front | Twin tube | |
| Dampers, rear | Mono tube | |
| Stabiliser diameter, front | mm | 26 |
| Stabiliser diameter, rear | mm | 25 |
| Front brake type, diameter | mm | Ventilated discs, 320 |
| Rear brake type, diameter | mm | Solid discs, 280 |
| Brake booster | 8” + 9” tandem booster & large 1” diameter master cylinder | |
| Tyres, wheels | Dunlop 225/40 R18, 18 x 7.5J | |
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