Mazda2 MPS reportedly in the works
The highly-anticipated Mazda2 still hasn't been launched in Europe, and word out of Hiroshima is that an MPS (a.k.a. Mazdaspeed) version is already in the works. Mazda's 2.0L powerplant will be outfitted with direct injection and turbocharging to the tune of 230hp and 231 lb-ft torque. With every souped-up vehicle comes the prerequisite larger wheels and body kit, and Mazda isn't one to shun tradition, so we'll see all the added goodies on the hotted-up little hatch. Chances are that the boosted Mazda econobox won't hit US shores (after all, the Mazda2/Demio's only planned for Europe and Japan right now), and we're more disappointed than surprised. If this rumored edition is as good a deal as the blown Mazda3, then it'll be a shame for it not to grace our shores.
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jamesc 3:07PM (7/04/2007)
We don't get awesome small cars because we don't buy small cars, and we don't buy small cars because we don't have any awesome small cars. That and we're idiots.
Read: Start buying small cars, NOT big ones, or SUVs. Got that?
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seanz0rz 3:33PM (7/04/2007)
so what small car should i buy? im replacing a 95 honda accord and want something with spectacular fuel economy, but also something fun to drive.
i would buy a hot hatch, if they existed here. should i just buy a rabbit? and when, if ever, is the tdi coming out?
i think if companies took a chance and gave us decent small cars (yaris for example, good, but meh... boring) i think we would be more akin to buy one.
naggs 4:53PM (7/04/2007)
230 hp is a 2300 lbs car at whatever price this thing would be sold for would redefine bang for the buck. how are they going to put all that power to the ground with tiny tires and such little weight on them?
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Mike Homeniuk 9:11AM (7/05/2007)
Canadians buy tons of small cars (& tons of Mazdas) but their not even giving us the '2'.
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Bill 3:43PM (7/04/2007)
Ugh. Stop taunting us.
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Jhon 2:22AM (7/05/2007)
see http://hotshadow.com/Mazda2_MPS_reportedly_in_the_works.aspx
Sammy B 7:24PM (7/04/2007)
How about a civic Si? It's got good fuel economy. On the level of spectacular fuel economy, why not try a regular civic, a coupe if you want something smaller. They are capable of reaching the high 30's.
Honda fit would be another way to go. Or you could just wait around until the mazda 2 comes to our shores as either a mazda or the ford variant. The one thing about this little hotted up mazda is that you would be struggling to get mid to high 20's if it ever came here.
The last thought I heard was that the Tdi would be a 2009. Now when it would come out is another thing entirely.
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naggs 1:52AM (7/05/2007)
the civic is about 500 lbs too heavy, a Fit with the 200 hp k20 would certainly be worth a look.
Marvelous 4:35PM (7/04/2007)
OK why would u need 230hp in that small car, it is supposed to be an economy car right. With that HP and the weight of the car, I think it would spank their already fast Speed3. 200 hp is good enough, anymore would cannibalize the Mazda 3
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biggins 4:52PM (7/04/2007)
HOLY TORQUE STEER, BATMAN!
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jstand6 4:55PM (7/04/2007)
The big news for the U.S. is that 2.0L direct injection turbo MZR engine will probably find its way under the hood of the next Mazdaspeed MX-5. That engine would produce at least 60 hp and 90 lb-ft more than the current 2.0L MZR currently in the MX-5. That would be a significant performance boost, which I would imagine could bring the Miata into the mid 5-second range for 0-60 mph acceleration. We may not get the MPS Mazda2 in its entirety, but I'm willing to bet we'll see the egine (or Mazda could surprise us and dump the 270+ hp 2.3L direct injection turbo into the Miata).
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racingrob 4:55PM (7/04/2007)
Having driven the new Mazda2, I can say that 230hp would be very interesting ;-)
As for the 1.4 it drives very well, might even think about chopping in my Mazda3 Sport when it is released.
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doglet 4:57PM (7/04/2007)
turbo 2 liter seems like overkill to me. 170 hp from the mx5 NA 4 would be PLENTY in this car. unless the turbo is tuned to get better milage of course, then bring it on.
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proud like cow 5:02PM (7/04/2007)
if ford is getting a version of this car for the US market, it will sell.
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... 6:06PM (7/04/2007)
i usually hate ford and especially mazda, but that would be amazing, though 230 hp would be a little too much. something closer to or lower than 200 hp would be best. than again, this could be said about any small car, and a stiffer suspension would be desired.
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TIMMAH! 7:45PM (7/04/2007)
Zoom zoom! Bring it to the US!
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whofan 11:12PM (7/04/2007)
Mazdas are the best looking Japanese cars on the road. I actually like Mazda. Maybe I just root for the under dogs. Mazda has soul.
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John R 7:30AM (7/05/2007)
I still want to see a Mazdaspeed 5, 230-270 bhp in a small minivan would be the illest.
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Scott Schneider 10:22AM (7/05/2007)
that would be great- fast, grippy mini-van that seats six. Just what I need to drive my 3 year old around as she's pointing out the VW bugs, Minis, Mazda3s, Honda Elements and PT Cruisers. (Have to keep the cars distinctive).
adelossa 3:57PM (7/05/2007)
Mazda, I love you and all, but for the love of god: bring the Mazda2 to our shores! (or atleast to Hawaii). My Mazda3 needs a playmate.
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