Mazda 3 MPS (07-08) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 23 March 2009
When it comes to power and performance, few hot hatches can match the Mazda 3 MPS. It's the quickest and fastest Mazda you can buy, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. Some buyers may be put off by its plain looks, while for others, this will be one of the key draws. The styling tweaks are very subtle and spotting the difference between this high-performance version and a standard car requires a keen eye - the MPS whispers, rather than shouts that it's a hot hatch. It's also let down by a lifeless gearchange, average steering and an engine that lacks character. But with 260bhp from its turbocharged 2.3-litre engine, it's headlining grabbing power figure surpasses all of the hot hatch alternatives.
3.5 out of 5

Other Mazda reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

Healthy demand and a limited supply (just 1000 will make it into the UK each year) means that used prices should stay high and depreciation shouldn't be too painful. It falls into insurance group 17, which is a massive jump from the 2.0 Sport model below it which is group 8. Mazda parts and servicing tends to be good value. High performance Y-rated tyres are needed as the car can top speeds of 150mph, but these are more expensive to replace than ordinary ones. Fuel consumption - at 29mpg - is pretty good for a hot hatch.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

9000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£460.00 - £460.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
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    231
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The MPS is a polluting model with emissions of 231g/km of CO2 and fuel economy of 29mpg. However considering the power and performance on offer, this is reasonable.

Find the exact engine and CO2