Mazda3 MPS Review
Published: 9th June 2007
Mazda3 MPS
How It Looks - Exterior
I was amazed by the amount of interest the Mazda3 MPS (with sports aero kit) attracted as it is a very discreet vehicle. Mazda have gone for more functionality than bling bling. The only real tell tale sign is the rear spoiler which extends a little further than the standard wing. Even the MPS badging on the wings and boot are hardly noticeable.
I think that the Black Mica paint (£325 option) did help to give the Mazda3 an aggressive stance with its lowered suspension and the 18” inch alloys filled the wheel arches without any room to spare.
How It Looks - Interior
The MPS branded sports seats were a blend of red stitched leather and cloth, they offered good lateral support. The steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake are leather covered. We did like the blacked out dials, which illuminate when you power up the car. And as you might expect with a “hot hatch” there is an aluminium pedal set, with foot rest and scuff plates.
Otherwise the interior is pretty much identical to any other Mazda3, which some might consider a little bland. I would consider it functional and uncluttered with chunky and tactile switchgear. The black interior plastics were of a good quality and were enhanced with carbon fibre effect trim. The round side air vents have a look of the MX-5 and have brushed aluminium effect surrounds. The 3-ring instrument cluster, handbrake button and gear shift trim also follow this theme and have brushed aluminium surrounds.
In Car Entertainment and Satellite Navigation
The MPS comes with a BOSE premium audio system with a 6-CD autochanger (built into the dashboard) and 7 speakers, which includes a sub woofer under the passenger seat. To get the best from it it needs a fair bit of volume to drive the speakers, which will suit most owners but I felt too self conscious when drawing up to traffic lights. The audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel, so you don’t have to take your hands away from the wheel.
