Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
While in some markets was known as the Mazda 3 MPS, other customers got it with the Mazdaspeed nameplate.
Regardless of the name, the result was the same: a hot-hatch so violent that it required some skills to handle it. Yet, in the right hands, it proved to be an excellent all-around vehicle either for shopping, cars&coffee events, or some races.
At first sight, it was just a regular Mazda 3 with a nicer set of 18" light-alloy wheels. But, then, a trained eye could notice that the hood was different and featured an air-intake for the intercooler. Other subtle details were the black metallic mesh for both grilles installed above and below the bumper in the apron. Last but not least, the bi-xenon headlights looked different than the rest of the Mazda 3 range. Finally, a rear roof spoiler adorned the top of the tailgate, while the LED taillights had an inner lens that added a sportier look to the car.
The interior was about comfort and sportiness. At the front, the high-bolstered bucket seats provided excellent support during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Fronting the driver was the instrument cluster that featured binocular-style dials, with a big tachometer and speedometer. Above the center stack, on the dashboard, Mazda installed a small display for the infotainment and navigation system. Additional details, such as aluminum pedals, silver trims on the center console, and door cards, amplified the car's sporty character.
But the rear miracle was under the body. A 2.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine sent all the power to the front wheels via a self-locking differential that was quite harsh in operation, so the torque steer was something normal for the MPS. But once mastered that issue, the driver could enjoy the car's excellent handling due to its independent suspension in all corners.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.3L DISI Turbo 6MT (260 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2261 cm3 |
Power: | 191 KW @ 5500 RPM 260 HP @ 5500 RPM 256 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 280 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 380 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 15.9 gallons (60.2 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | P225/40 R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 177.6 in (4511 mm) |
Width: | 69.7 in (1770 mm) |
Height: | 57.5 in (1461 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.4/60 in (1,534/1,524 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 103.9 in (2639 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in (119 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17 cuFT (481 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2998 lbs (1360 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4244 lbs (1925 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 17.8 mpg US (13.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 224 g/km |