Mazda has introduced the halo model to its popular Mazda3 range. The newest model in the MPS (Mazda Performance Series) range, the 2009 Mazda3 is an impressive follow on from the just superseded original series. The biggest difference between the two is in the styling particularly at the front end – because the Series 2 car has an exposed bonnet scoop instead of the ‘upside down’ arrangement of the Series 1.

‘Upside down’ in that the air intake was hidden underneath the bonnet rather than sitting proudly above it. Perhaps the Mazda engineers and stylists were going for the subtle European look, but the hidden scoop was a big mistake, especially in its home market in Japan, because if there's one thing the Japanese buyers of high-performance cars like it's over-the-top looks.

And if you think the appearance of the bonnet scoop in the new Mazda3 MPS is outstanding, just take a look at the rest of the frontal arrangement. The big radiator grill and complementary foglight housings make their own statements as well.

Then there's the overt rear spoiler that sticks well out from the rear of the roof. Yes, the styling of the new Mazda3 MPS is far from subtle, and that's the way buyers in Japan, and Australia, like it.

While the looks of the original ‘3 MPS may have been underdone, there was nothing shy about the performance of the car. A turbocharged engine displacing 2.3 litres is always going to create excitement in a car weighing in at less than 1500 kg. With the engine on full boost and running at 5500 revs, its output is an impressive 190 kW. Even more importantly there's 380 Newton metres of torque at 3000 rpm.

All this grunt is delivered to the front wheels only. Not an easy thing to do, but Mazda's engineers decided to go for the weight reduction offered by steering clear of all-wheel drive.

 

They have also done what they could in minimising torque steer, although there's still plenty of it there. Get stuck into the pedal on the right in one of the lower ratios of the six-speed manual gearbox and you had better have two hands on the steering wheel and all of your attention on driving. Because this Mazda MPS will try and take control of itself given half a chance.

We love the way this latest Mazda3 performs. There's plenty of character and the push in the back that's generated is just wonderful.

But may we suggest you take some advanced driving lessons, and perhaps sign up for some track days before taking your new ‘3 MPS to the max?

Incidentally, clever engineering has managed to pull the fuel consumption of the Series 2 MPS down slightly. It now has an official figure of 9.9 litres per hundred kilometres, down from 10.0 on the superseded car. This has been achieved despite increased weight due to higher equipment levels than previously.

The engine now features direct petrol injection as part of the fuel reduction package. This also aids throttle response – though it should be said that a performance unit like this one takes its time to deliver to the full. Some work has gone into reducing turbo lag, but there's still plenty of it there. And the engine is on the dead side until it gets close to its 3000 rpm peak torque figure. But it’s a real powerhouse once the boost and revs are up.

 

As you may have guessed, this hot Mazda is not a car for the casual cruiser, it's aimed squarely at the keen driver who is willing to put in the effort to get the best from it. These people will be rewarded by a car that's very special in its on-road, and on-track, characteristics.

Chassis balance is exceptionally good for a front-wheel-drive car. There's some understeer as you push towards the very high limits of adhesion, but until the hot ‘3 does start to push it could almost be mistaken for a rear-driver. Road noise isn't  too bad for a full-on sports machine but there's no shortage of tyre/road noise on coarse-chip surfaces.

Comfort levels remain impressively high unless the road is really rough, so this latest Mazda3 could easily be used as a family car for those with pre-teen children. Cabin space is good without being outstanding and, as is not unusual in this class of car, you have to juggle the front seat spacing if you want to carry large adults in the back.

The 2009 Mazda3 MPS is sold only as a five-door hatchback and only with a six-speed manual transmission. It's priced at $39,690 in standard format, and $43,290 in the Luxury series. All have dual-zone air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, ABS and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and six airbags. The Luxury gains a Bose audio system with 10 speakers including a sub woofer, bi-xenon adaptive headlights and automatic wipers. Note that the prices don’t include statutory and dealer charges, these can be obtained in full driveaway format from your Mazda dealer.