Mazda 3 2.3Turbo
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Mazda 3 2.3Turbo
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?
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?
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
I know from driving, that both the normal shopping trolley Focus and Mazda 3 (with the same engine option) are nearly identical to drive.
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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
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
#9
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 .
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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...
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...
Last edited by Underworld; 04 March 2008 at 05:38 PM.
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