Mazda3 MPS hatchback (2009 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The new Mazda3 MPS is a stunning hot hatch. Its razor-sharp styling, deep bumpers and sills, spoiler and xenon headlamps ooze aggression and make most of its competitors look old fashioned. Unlike the majority of hot hatchbacks the MPS is only available as a five-door, but neat integration and styling keeps the extra doors from ruining the sports look. Our only criticism is the choice of colours (red, black, silver and white), which are firmly in the sensible camp compared with hues like the ‘Ultimate Green’ of the Focus RS.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

You sit low in the MPS, cocooned between the door and central console, and pinned in place by deep, heavily bolstered seats. The blue and orange dials shine brightly during daylight and dim for night driving as the headlights switch on. Perforated aluminium pedals and drivers’ footrest add to the sense of occasion and the stubby gear leaver is in just the right place. Materials are of a high quality and the general feeling is of being in a very solid car indeed. We found the steering wheel a little large, and the sheer number of buttons mounted on it can be confusing – small complaints.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

There’s plenty of space inside the MPS, just make sure everything is well strapped down. There’s room for five in the cabin, and four adults can travel in real comfort. The luggage space is slightly on the small side at 300 litres (the Ford Focus ST has 385 litres), partly because of the boot-mounted stereo subwoofer. But, there’s more than 1,300 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

The bodyshell of the new Mazda3 MPS has been stiffened by 41 per cent, so the whole car feels particularly taut as you take to the road. Stiff suspension and low profile tyres add to the firm nature of the handling, which has its advantages and disadvantages. There’s plenty of grip on offer and stability is excellent, but it’s also choppy to drive on our pock-marked UK roads. The Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTi both have a suppler ride. With so much power going through the front wheels the MPS would benefit from a torque-steer reducing front suspension design as seen in the Focus RS and Renaultsport Megane. Without it the MPS can struggle to put all its power to the road without becoming a handful.

Our rating: 3

5. Performance

The MPS is a serious performance car, offering pace which punches well above its price tag. Acceleration from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds is excellent for a front-wheel drive car, and a top speed of 155mph puts it in sports car territory. The 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine doesn’t rev too high, but offers great mid-range punch. It’s totally different in character to the peaky Honda Civic Type-R. It shows its best hand on fast sweeping roads and motorways, because on tighter roads its muted exhaust and long gearing makes its less fun to keep on the boil. A sharp and heavy clutch action can make the MPS tiring to drive in traffic.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

While it’s never going to be cheap to run, the MPS has been significantly improved thanks to a cut in CO2 emissions to 224g/km – dropping it into a cheaper tax band. Average fuel economy of 29mpg can be bettered with careful driving, but the group 36 insurance is always likely to prove expensive. Servicing is more regular than normal, with maintenance every 9,000 miles, and tyre life will be shorter than normal with all that power.

Our rating: 2

7. Reliability

The 2.3-litre engine is well-proven and Mazda has an excellent reliability record. The interior feels well-finished, but it’s wise to look out for rattles, especially because the ride is firm.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The MPS has some interesting safety features, including blind-spot warning indicators and headlights which turn into corners. It’s also fitted with all the airbags you’d expect and stability control, helping it to achieve a five-star score in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

Mazda has taken the commendable move of making every £21,960 MPS a range-topper, without charging a massive premium. Each car has Bluetooth communications, sat nav, Bose stereo, climate control, heated windscreen, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive bi-xenon headlamps.

Our rating: 5

10. Why buy?

The Mazda3 MPS is a hugely fast, attractive and well equipped car for just over £20k. Look at the spec list of its rivals and you will need to spend more to get the same kit. But, the driving experience of the Mazda3 lacks the sparkle of the Golf GTi or Focus ST. Visit the Mazda website now for more information on the Mazda3 MPS.

Our rating: 3