Photo: Mazda
Mazda’s current compact model, the Mazda3, will not receive an MPS or Speed version.
The bad news comes from Masahiro Moro, a senior executive of the Japanese company. In an interview with the Australians at Motoring, he went on to call the turbocharged performance model developed on the platform of the first two Mazda3 generations as “childish.”
The Mazda executive did not refer to the Mazda3 MPS itself as childish, but to the execution of the model.
As explained in the interview, Mazda wants to move upmarket again, and the way the Mazda3 MPS or Mazdaspeed3 was made, a car that is known for its torque steer, is not suitable for the current generation or future projects.
Even with an existing concept car that previewed a performance version of the current Mazda3, which was not shown in public, Mazda has decided not to build a production model of the performance version.
Instead, Mazda engineers have put the development of any MPS variant on hold, as they focus on developing the second generation of SkyActiv engines. The first SkyActiv II units are expected to be launched next year, so the company’s engineering and development departments have their work cut out.
These engines will be more economical and will have a higher efficiency than current units. Mazda has already impressed us with its current range of powertrains and remained one of the few carmakers that launch all-new models with naturally aspirated gasoline engines, while their competitors are downsizing with small-displacement turbocharged units.
However, the fourth generation of the Mazda3 will have an MPS version. Most likely, this variant will be fitted with a turbocharged engine, but there is “no particular timeline yet.”
We must note that the Mazda executive quoted in the interview even promised a “performance model or a sort of iconic model of the future,” which will come to market afterwards. Considering the described timeline, we expect the “iconic model” to be the successor of the Mazda RX-8, expected with an advanced rotary engine.
The Mazda executive did not refer to the Mazda3 MPS itself as childish, but to the execution of the model.
As explained in the interview, Mazda wants to move upmarket again, and the way the Mazda3 MPS or Mazdaspeed3 was made, a car that is known for its torque steer, is not suitable for the current generation or future projects.
Even with an existing concept car that previewed a performance version of the current Mazda3, which was not shown in public, Mazda has decided not to build a production model of the performance version.
Instead, Mazda engineers have put the development of any MPS variant on hold, as they focus on developing the second generation of SkyActiv engines. The first SkyActiv II units are expected to be launched next year, so the company’s engineering and development departments have their work cut out.
These engines will be more economical and will have a higher efficiency than current units. Mazda has already impressed us with its current range of powertrains and remained one of the few carmakers that launch all-new models with naturally aspirated gasoline engines, while their competitors are downsizing with small-displacement turbocharged units.
However, the fourth generation of the Mazda3 will have an MPS version. Most likely, this variant will be fitted with a turbocharged engine, but there is “no particular timeline yet.”
We must note that the Mazda executive quoted in the interview even promised a “performance model or a sort of iconic model of the future,” which will come to market afterwards. Considering the described timeline, we expect the “iconic model” to be the successor of the Mazda RX-8, expected with an advanced rotary engine.
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