Has anyone driven one of these?

Not seen many about, is that because they are not as good as a Focus, or is it that most folk don't even know they exist?

 

I have driven them in Sydney. They also have a non turbo version too (not available in the UK).

The MPS is a bloody handful to drive, too much torque steer. The car in a straight line is very very good, but as soon as you see a roundabout and you have to compensate like a bugger as the front wheels still want to go straight on. The car is also very nose heavy, which doesn't help either.

It reminds me of a Focus RS, but even more powerful.

The non turbo version is slightly better, but again the engine is heavy and underpowered. It sells well here compared to the MPS.

I think most people here aim for the Golf, Golf R32 or given a smaller budget a Focus ST.

Better depreciation, better build, better interior etc.

One thing in favour of the MPS is that it will be a rare car.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for that, pretty much what I expected.

I hate cars that torque steer. I had a Rover 220 coupe, not that quick, but was undrivable around bends in the wet when pushed.

 

There's 2 versions, the 2nd version comes with a bodykit and Bilstein suspension and is supposed to be a lot better.

 

It has electronics that limit the power when the wheels are anything other than straight. Tells you all you need to know......

 

Shirley, the Focus ST can't be that much different - seeing so much is shared between them.

I know from driving, that both the normal shopping trolley Focus and Mazda 3 (with the same engine option) are nearly identical to drive.

 

That mazda is bloody quick- it recorded the same 50-70mph time in 3rd, as an impreza sti version 4 (my98)- the time was 2.8sec!
Not bad for a plain looking family hatch!

 

Long term autoexpress review:

Mazda 3 | Long Term Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

Evo review:

Mazda 3 MPS | evo Car Reviews | Car Reviews | evo

Evo review of the the Aero Kitted version:

Mazda 3 MPS | evo Car Reviews | Car Reviews | evo

 

You probably have seen one about,you just didn't notice it as it looks virtually identical to any other 3!!

I am currently toying with the idea of a modern hot hatch,and i did put them down on my "hunt" list,but no-one has one locally for me to look at and drive,however,the dealers "reckon" they sell as quick as they can get them.....................i know the dealer in Clevedon(near me) had three a couple of weeks ago,and now they have none.

Pain in the **** needing 4 doors .

 

I have got a mazda3 at the moment.... unfortunately not the MPS, bt the 1.4 S .. lol.... quite nice, bt since I put 18's rims in it, handling is not pleasant.... i was better off with my 15" steel

The MPS is quite nice actually, bt still few problems people have here and there.. Dont know a lot about other cars, if its the same or not..
Bt i think mazda should have better quality cars for their prices, and sort out their bubbling alloys and knocking noises!!!!

Yeh as some1 said theres 2 versions, the MPS and the MPS Aero.... supposd to have better suspension, lowered, higher spoiler, and i think a better body kit or something... forgot what else
bt the car is QUICK!!!!!

any scoob had a drag with one of them??? :P , i think its been tested with the new impreza on some video in youtube...

Switching from the 3 to Impreza...