Although Mazda servicing is reasonably priced (and the dealers have a good reputation for customer care), the MPS needs frequent maintenance with servicing intervals of 9,000 miles, compared to 12,500 miles for standard Mazda3 models. Average fuel economy is reasonable at 29mpg while insurance is group 17 – on par with other high-performance hatchbacks.

Don’t be surprised to get through front tyres pretty rapidly though, especially if you drive it hard.

Few hot hatches are very green, but the MPS is reasonably efficient for a car with 260bhp. It averages a useful 29mpg and emits 224g/km of CO2.

Mazda’s tend to be very reliable and this version of the MPS uses many of the components – including the engine – that were proven in the first generation model. That car has proved trouble-free since it was launched in 2007.