Geneva Preview: Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3 i-stop to officially debut
by Alex Nunez on Feb 3rd 2009 at 8:57AM 
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)
Next month at the Geneva Motor Show, we'll finally get a look at the highly-anticipated Mazda3 MPS (that's Mazdaspeed3 in Americanized English for y'all), as well as the new Mazda3 i-stop, which features the automaker's fuel-saving stop/start system. The i-stop system, combined with Mazda's MZR 2.0L DISI four-cylinder, deliver 12-percent better city fuel economy and helps drive down the car's emissions output in the face of the upcoming Euro 5 standards.
The Mazda3 MPS takes the jovial-looking hatchback and gives it a little more of an edge. As you can see, the happy face remains, but it's now accentuated by a substantial hood scoop, specific grille trim, and round foglamps. Out back, a pronounced roof spoiler, black bumper insert, and dual exhaust tips are visual cues that tip off the car's performance nature. Power comes, as before, from a turbocharged MZR 2.3-liter DISI four-cylinder, but no specific numbers have been released yet. For that, Mazda's making us wait. No problem, we're patient. As always, we'll bring you full coverage from the floor in Geneva when the festivities get underway.
Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)
Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 i-stop
[Source: Mazda]
PRESS RELEASE:
All-new Mazda3 i-stop, Mazda3 MPS to Premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show
Leverkusen, 3 February 2009. Mazda Motor Corporation will debut two new models of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) product range at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show from March 3 through 15, 2009. The world premiere of the Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda's advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, will be shared with the all-new Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3's high performance flagship model. The Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed Axela) now features improved fuel economy and emissions that satisfy Euro Stage 5.
Mazda3 i-stop
The Mazda3 is one of Mazda's core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.
The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup. It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.
Mazda3 MPS
The Mazda3 MPS sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.
The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, "These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal. The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Quattroporte 9:04AM (2/03/2009)
Why does the front view remind me of the Ferrari California?
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-mazda3-mps-mazdaspeed3/1331198/full/
Reply
Quattroporte 9:06AM (2/03/2009)
http://www.netcarshow.com/ferrari/2009-california/1600x1200/wallpaper_18.htm
Quattroporte 9:22AM (2/03/2009)
Unrelated to Mazda, but totally related to design.
Bangle has left/quit/resigned from BMW.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20090203/COPY01/302039879/1144
notYou 9:53AM (2/03/2009)
Tart it up however they want, that face is a deal breaker...ugh.
CarbonBlack 10:56AM (2/03/2009)
Totally agree that this has a little Ferrari California look to it!
-Headlights, Scoop, ETC
Jason 2:19PM (2/03/2009)
I really wish people would stop comparing car designs. All new cars look like each other. Get over it.
Jared 9:04PM (2/03/2009)
I'll keep my current gen. Mazdaspeed3. I'm all about progress, But I like my agressive looking car compared to the happy looking one.
Mazda FTW! 9:07AM (2/03/2009)
They didn't use the new 2.5L? So if it's 268HP right now...is it gonna be 280?
Reply
TigerMil 9:09AM (2/03/2009)
Yowza! How much is Pixar paying Mazda for that smiley face front?
Reply
James 9:36AM (2/03/2009)
Mazda 3, you'd be a sales hit if you....wipe off that "joker grin".
Kattleox 11:00AM (2/03/2009)
It looks at home on the Miata, but not so much here.
I bet it works wonders for cooling, though.
viper GTS-R 9:18AM (2/03/2009)
Instead of installing a front plate, it makes you want to install two large buckteeth and a tongue.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a210/NJ96GTS/01_mazda3_live_la.jpg
--RS
Reply
AntBee 11:43AM (2/03/2009)
LMAO!!
Patrick 2:16PM (2/03/2009)
Good one! The new 3 would be perfect for the next CARS movie, since it already looks like a cartoon.
Alex 9:21AM (2/03/2009)
I don't know how i feel about that new front clip. hopefully it looks better in real life.
Reply
BoneHeadOtto 9:26AM (2/03/2009)
Im glad they gave this car a real hood scoop. Id much rather have a instantly recognizable scoop than the previous elevated hood. But then again im a WRX owner so i have an affinity for hood scoops.
Reply
zamafir 10:00AM (2/03/2009)
It actually does something to improve that stupid grin on the car.
cdwrx 11:21AM (2/03/2009)
Before it looked too happy in a giddy kind of way. Now it looks too happy in a psychopathic, I'm going to eat your brains kind of way. I can appreciate the latter.
JD 12:46PM (2/04/2009)
I disagree, I much prefer the sleeper looks of the current MS3 to the scoop on the new one. If I wanted a car that tells everyone it's fast, I'd have gotten a WRX. Which is what you have. I guess we just have different preferences, huh?
Besides, I think the ducting they have under the hood is a neat little touch. I don't want my car to tell everyone it's fast- that's what the turbo is for. When I want to tell people it's fast, I show by example. And I like it that way. Smoking that chump in the Si who doesn't know it's a 'Speed3 is just too fun. :)
Beastage 9:28AM (2/03/2009)
Hot damn! that is one ugly car.
Reply