Mazda3 MPS to be launched next month

For over a decade, Mazda has injected ‘Zoom-zoom’ into its products and they have certainly delivered on that promise. Whether it’s the Mazda2 or the RX8 or even the Mazda8 MPV, there’s something in the character of a Mazda that puts a smile on the fact of enthusiasts. But for those who want something even more performance-oriented, Mazda has also developed MPS (Mazda Performance Series) variants. Though such variants have been available in Singapore, Mazda has been reluctant to allow MPS variants for sale in Malaysia, its engineers citing ‘fuel issues’ as the reason.

Well, it could be the upgrading of fuel standards to Euro-2M that made them more comfortable or their local representatives (Prima Merdu and Bermaz) were more persuasive than the previous franchise holders but from early next month, the Mazda3 MPS will be officially available for the Malaysian market for the first time.

Some readers will already know what this variant of the Mazda3 is all about but for those who don’t, here are the numbers: 255 bhp, 380 Nm, claimed 0 – 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Mouth-watering, right? And certainly a lot of ‘bang for the ringgit’ which will be not more than RM180,000.

The engine is probably the most developed of the decade-old MZR family – a 2.3-litre direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. Interestingly, in spite of its impressive output, its compression ratio is just 9.5:1 so it should probably run okay on RON95. But it’s likely that for optimum performance, RON97 would be better.

Enthusiasts who have lamented that no one bothers to bring in manual variants these days, especially at the higher end, will be delighted to know that the Mazda3 MPS comes with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Drive in only to the front wheels, like the other Mazda3 versions, but there are two final drive ratios built-in to stretch performance to its fullest. It’ll be interesting to see how this compares to the vaunted DSG of the VW Golf GTI.

The Mazda3 MPS that will be in the showrooms here is essentially a 2^nd generation model but typical of Japanese companies, there is kaizen (continuous improvement) so it should have some quality improvements under the skin.

The model will be officially launched at the 1Utama Shopping Centre (new wing) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on the morning of March 2, 2011. Full technical details will be available at that time.

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