New Car: 2009 Mazda3 MPS/Mazdaspeed3/Axela

October 2008 saw the 2009 Mazda3 MPS spied undergoing numerous high-speed testing at the Nurburgring. Mazda has released details of two Mazda3 variants which will be taking their first public bows at the Geneva motor show next month.

First up is the Mazda3 MPS, the performance variant of the Mazda3 which comes with the MZR 2.3 litre DISI turbocharged engine with 260bhp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm). The DISI stands for Direct Injection Spark Ignition. Direct injection technology allows for both improved performance and economy.

Secondly, is the Mazda3 i-stop. The i-stop features Mazda's new stop-start technology and is coupled with the MZR 2.0 DISI, a direct injection engine producing 150bhp and 138 lb-ft (187Nm) of torque. Together, the two technologies create a 12% improvement in fuel economy for the Mazda3 over the previous 2.0 litre engine.

Both variants are scheduled to go on sale in some countries in Europe shortly after their Geneva debut. Prices for the Mazda3 MPS should start from £19k - £20k when the hot-hatch goes on sale in the UK in June.

Press Release:

Mazda3 MPS:

The Mazda3 MPS sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.

The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, "These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal. The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring."

Mazda3 i-stop:

The Mazda3 is one of Mazda's core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.

The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup. It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.