Mazda3 MPS Road Test

Mazda3 MPS

Rivals

• Audi S3, BMW 130i M Sport, Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type-R, Renault Clio Renaultsport 197, SEAT Leon Cupra & Volkswagen Golf R32 V6 4MOTION

What We Liked

• Performance
• Handling
• Discreet styling

What We Disliked

• The door mirrors are not at all practical

What We'd Like To See

• An auto dimming rear-view mirror & exterior mirrors
• Four Wheel Drive

Build Quality

The Mazda3 MPS’s build quality was very good, in fact there was nothing to fault. Mazda's renowned reliability and 3-year warranty combined with the Zoom, Zoom, Zoom factor ensures that owning this car should not leave you disappointed.

Value For Money

The Mazda3 MPS starts at £18,995 and for an extra £500 you get the sports aero kit, which is well worth it for the suspension tweaks alone. Compared to the slower 5-door Golf GTi at a little over £21,000 it seems quite reasonable or to a SEAT Leon Cupra at £19,500. Bar metallic/mica paint I doubt there are any extras you would want to add to the MPS as it pretty much has it all as standard.

The MPS is limited to 1000 cars a year, so resale values should remain high, whether they will be as good as Volkswagen and Honda time will tell.

Overall Opinion

The Mazda3 MPS is quite capable of delivering what it promises; it is undoubtedly quick, requiring a tame right foot to keep your driving licence. In some ways it is a clandestine “hot hatch” but for me that is part of the fun, I like cars that are “wolves in sheep's clothing" as it always gives you the edge. Some motoring pundits will tell you that it cannot deliver all that power, well it can - it is all about how you apply it!

In our opinion the Mazda3 MPS is an enjoyable car which if you are looking for a performance hatchback should be driven and seriously considered.