MAZDA 3 MPS / MAZDASPEED3 2009-2013 Photos, engines & full specs

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.