VIDEO: First footage of 2010 Mazda3 MPS
Click above to watch video after the jump
Looking at the Mazda3 MPS, we can't help but think that it knows something we don't. Why else would it have such a smug look on its face? If it's anything like the outgoing model, owners of the Mazdaspeed3 will have the biggest smile of all. So far, we know we'll see Mazda's newest MPS model at the Geneva Motor Show, and it will receive motivation from the same direct injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter four as the outgoing model. Now, thanks to some cut and run editing, we're getting a better idea of what Mazda's sports hatch looks like on the open road. Follow the jump to see 30 seconds of the Mazda3 MPS in perpetual motion. It's a tease to be sure, but it'll have to do for now. Thanks, Rowen!
Gallery: 2009 Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3)
[Source: OzMPSclub]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John B 8:35AM (2/04/2009)
That stupid grin.........
No, I can't get past that however good the rest of the car might be.
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Ligor 9:02AM (2/04/2009)
add to that stupid grin the fact that it'll be an overpower FWD
and I say no thank you
if I really wanted the steering wheel to be pulled out of my hands
than maybe i'd consider it, but unless they add AWD or convert
it to RWD it's just another wanna be Japonese ricer period
Rob 9:14AM (2/04/2009)
Funny how the people who hate Japanese cars the most can't even spell "Japanese".
Greg 9:26AM (2/04/2009)
@ Ligor
You know - comments like that make me really wonder whether the person posting said comments actually knows how to drive.
"Hey guys - I'm at the apex of my corner... I'll just STOMP on the throttle to exit. Ya, that'll work"
If you'd actually driven the current Mazdaspeed3, you'll realize 2 things:
(1) The traction control limits throttle output based on steering angle. If you've turned the wheel too much AND stomped on the throttle, it'll dial the power down.
That being said...
(2) Regardless of whether it's a Mazda or not - yes, FWD cars are traction limited when you stomp on the throttle and you turn the wheel. If you don't "the steering wheel to be pulled out of [your] hands", then maybe you should learn some throttle control. It'll help not only when you drive FWD cars, but RWD cars as well.
There is likely a reason why Mazda didn't include AWD. Sure it'd probably have much better driving dynamics, but they didn't. I for one would still buy this car despite the FWD or smiley front end, because the CURRENT one (IMO) is really, really good.
Kitko 9:44AM (2/04/2009)
@ Ligor
If Mazda decided to make this car FWD, they had a very good reason for that. We're talking about Mazda here. Last generation of Mazda 3 was available as a 4x4 in Japan. Current Mazda 6 is available is a 4x4 in Japan.
@ Greg
Thanx for explaining some basic engineering to Ligor.
Plus, you can always turn TCS and DSC off.
Mazda FTW! 10:09AM (2/04/2009)
Ligor - The whole point of this hot-hatch is it's low-price point and low weight. Adding RWD/AWD will take away both.
The point of this car is it gives you about 85% of the performance of a STi, for almost $17K (Canadian) less...which is a for most of us. It's also well-built, well-respected, practical (hatch) and just plain fun. No other car for $32K (Canadian) offers that. So, inspite of that smiley face and some torque-steer....I would happily make it my next car.
Rick 11:54AM (2/04/2009)
@Greg
My 246hp chipped A4 FWD doesn't pull when I floor it. So it's not 'all FWD' that have torque pull. My Mazda5 however, changes lanes when I floor it.
As for the 3, hate it. That stupid grin is annoying and sad to see on what was once so an awesome car.
BoneHeadOtto 8:41AM (2/04/2009)
Wow that car looks like a complete Box like a Scion.... or wait maybe that was the video compression. All i saw were some colored squares.... That video was not made for compression.
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ack154 8:45AM (2/04/2009)
I think this looks better than the regular 3, and I'd definitely consider it... even with the grin.
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AZZO45b 11:58AM (2/04/2009)
That ain't sayin' much... I want to love this updated Mazda... but I just can't. If it was available in green or purple hue...
... comic villain The Joker would be the punch line of possible numerous jokes.
steve-o 9:06AM (2/04/2009)
umm...the gallery shows it as a 2009, but its a 2010. please edit.
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dougjp 9:14AM (2/04/2009)
Sort of a backward step from the existing model. Didn't even 'fix' the interior comfort and width restriction for the driver because of the console. Something semi-positive, at least the degradation in the front end appearance wasn't as drastic as what Acura did. I fail to see how these manufacturers are helping themselves.
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Stumpy 9:28AM (2/04/2009)
I test drove the last version of the MS3. It was sure a quick car, but I was very disappointed with the shifts, as they were so sloppy and notchy. Plus, I really wish they would release it in a 2 door hatch. Oh well.
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chconline 10:31AM (2/04/2009)
"Slow and sloppy"
A lot of M/T cars are like that. Not every manufacturer knows how to make a good manual transmission. Honda has the best of all. Flame me if you will, but I stick by it. :P
That said, I am a very big fan of the Mazdaspeed3. With current incentives and offers it's quite a win for the practicality and performance you are looking at.
chconline 10:32AM (2/04/2009)
I mean "sloppy and notchy" lol. It's kind of early in the morning :(
Stumpy 1:15PM (2/04/2009)
I should not have bought my RSX type S. Now every manual transmission feels crappy compaired to it. =(
Nick_318is 10:30AM (2/04/2009)
@Dougjp - I have the current mazdaspeed3 and there aren't any issues with not being wide enough, and the seats are perfectly comfortable. If its a problem don't be fat that is something that most people do have some control over.
@Stumpy- sloppy and notchy sound like completly opposites of the spectrum, i think notchy and I think precise. The Shifer in the Car is sloppy and I wish they had gone with a better setup and got away from the cable shifter setup, hopefully the new car has a better shifter feel.
This looks like a pretty nice version of the new 3 and I'm looking forward to seeing the numbers, it better be more powerful then the current version. I'm still not crazy about the grinch grin but if it is prices reasonably I can look past that. This comes at a good time might have to pick up another one when the lease is up on my current car.
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HAAS599 10:42AM (2/04/2009)
I just wish they made this in a 4-door sedan.
I had a Mazda Protege MP3 and loved the look of it.
This new MS3 is awesome but given the choice I would take a trunk with a nice spoiler over a hatchback.
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Matt 12:30AM (2/05/2009)
I currently own a Mazda MP3 and love the looks of it and I love the looks of the current MS3, but the hood scoop and grin turn me off a little from the 2010. I really liked the sleeper look of the current MS3.
I do prefer the interior of the new MS3 though, I sat in the Mazda 3 at the NAIAS and loved it.
jonjon72 10:52AM (2/04/2009)
The huge smile on the speed is not as bad as in the regular versions of the 3, plus the hood scoop seems to take some of that attention away.
I current have a Mazda 3 hatchback and love the stick shift transmission, it is much better than the one in the Speed. Hopefully for the 2010 version, they make the correction.
Ligor just has a hatred for anything Japanese. Besides everyone knows the Cobalt SS, Caliber SRT and Focus have great AWD systems as well. oops, my bad.
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