Mazda3 MPS. Nov 09

Buyers have the choice of some fine examples … things like the Subaru Impreza WRX, Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart, the Ford Focus XR5, the Holden Astra SRi Turbo, the Honda Civic Type R, the RenaultSport Megane and the soon to arrive upgraded Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The latest offering to reach our shores is the second generation turbocharged Mazda3 MPS and it features bold new styling, less of the dreaded torque steer, more standard features and a price cut for the entry level model.

The first-generation version arrived here back in 2006 and since then, of the 30,000 that have been sold around the world, more than 1500 are now parked in Australian garages.

The development of the new MPS was taken extremely seriously by Mazda and this is confirmed by the fact that it involved more test program kilometres than any car the Japanese company has ever produced.

Twenty locations in 11 countries were used and the program involved 880,000km of real world driving on target market roads, 175,000km at the company's Miyoshi proving ground and 100 laps of the Nurburgring course.

To ensure the car's ability to withstand temperature extremes, tests were conducted in temperatures ranging from -25C to +50C.

There are two models and pricing kicks off at $39,960 for the entry level model - a figure that is $210 cheaper than the first-generation car. The top spec Luxury version is $43,290 and the only transmission is a slick shifting six-speed manual.

The styling of the new MPS is dominated by a striking new frontal treatment that is headed by a large "smiling" grille and a new bonnet scoop that feeds air to the intercooler, bolder front guards and a large roof-mounted rear spoiler.

The engine is basically the same unit 2.3-litre "four" that powered the first-generation MPS. It uses direct fuel injection to deliver 95RON premium unleaded, a turbocharger and an intercooler. The peak power figure of 190kW at 5500rpm and an impressive 380Nm of torque at 3000rpm are unchanged.

The new MPS's 6.1-second sprint time to 100km/h means the new pocket rocket can leave its rotary powered RX8 sports car sibling in its wake.

Improved aerodynamics has meant that the new MPS can now boast a 9.9-litre/100km combined fuel consumption figure - a tad better than the outgoing model's 10-litre figure. CO2 emissions are also slightly improved - down from 238g/km to 235g/km.

While the first MPS was a serious, fun to drive performer, it did suffer from over exuberant torque steer - not surprising when you have a light, front-wheel drive car boasting 380Nm.

To help tame the tiger, Mazda engineers have stiffened the drive shafts and improved the engine management to settle things down to more manageable levels.

The engineering team also used extra rigid steering gear mount bushing to limit vibration and the car has a stiffer body, especially at the rear, and the front and rear suspension towers also have been endowed with extra bracing.

Despite being 75mm longer and 5mm wider, the car's body is actually lighter but overall, because of more generous standard kit goodies, the new 1456kg MPS is 53kg heavier.

Another plus for the new model is that its noise, vibration and harshness or NVH figure is 11 per cent better - and it is really noticeable.

In the value for money stakes, even the entry level version has an impressive inventory of standard goodies and it includes 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/40 tyres, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction and electronic stability control and fog lights.

Also standard are a high spec 4.1-inch colour information control screen, active front head restraints, front, side and curtain airbags, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a six-CD/AM/FM audio system with an auxiliary jack and MP3/WMA compatibility, dual zone climate-control air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, a multi-function leather wrapped sports steering wheel, a trip computer and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with memory settings.

Buyers of the top spec Luxury version will also enjoy an automatic dimming rear vision mirror, bi-xenon headlights, an adaptive front-lighting system with automatic on/off, a premium Bose amplifier with 10-speakers and a sub-woofer and rain sensing wipers.

During a media launch drive program that included track and open road driving, Mazda Motorsport's rally drivers Rick Bates and Brendan Reeves were on hand to show us the finer points of the MPS before we were let loose on the track. We were even allowed to drive their Targa rally cars.

With Rick in the passenger's seat for some sighting laps, I learnt that for fast cornering, the best way to drive the car was to brake in a straight line just before the corner, turn in then pour on the power.

The result was that the car's inherent torque steer was more manageable, understeer was reduced and cornering was smoother and more precise. As Rick pointed out, the other benefit for MPS owners will be that tyre wear is reduced.

Pulling out from behind another vehicle during a passing manoeuvre confirmed that while some torque steer is still evident, it's way less severe than on the first-generation MPS.

Mazda has for years done great gearboxes, and the one in the MPS is no exception. There's a nice stubby gear shifter and excellent ratios and the result is super-slick shifts and great driving enjoyment.

Good sports cars of any variety must have great, supportive seats and the MPS delivers this in spades. They are beautifully shaped with plenty of bolstering and they hold you and your front seat passenger firmly in their grip, even during the most enthusiastic cornering.

The great to hold leather wrapped sports steering wheel controls the perfectly weighted steering system that uses electro-mechanical power assistance to deliver control in line with the car's speed and steering angle.

Another highlight is the new Mazda's classy interior. Quality trim features abound and there is plenty of information on hand to keep the driver informed. While the information screen is set nice and high on the dashboard, at 4.1 inches, it is a tad small when it comes to reading the maps.

In summary, there is no doubting that with its great engine, extensive standard kit menu, aggressive styling and pin sharp pricing, the new Mazda3 MPS is right up there with the best of the hot hatch offerings.

Mazda expects to sell around 70 cars a month with 60 per cent of these being the top spec Luxury version.

Ian Crawford