The Mazdaspeed3 is a sport compact hatchback introduced for the 2007 model year and produced until 2013 as a performance version of the five-door Mazda3. It is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3, in Europe as the Mazda3 MPS, for Mazda Performance Series, and in Japan as the Mazdaspeed Axela.
Mazdaspeed3 (Mazda3 MPS) at a glance
| Built | 2007–2013 model years |
|---|---|
| Shown | Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show |
| Names | Mazdaspeed3, Mazda3 MPS and Mazdaspeed Axela |
| Engine | 2.3-litre turbocharged MZR L3-VDT four |
| Power | 263 hp (196 kW, 267 PS) |
| Torque | 380 N·m |
| Drive | front-wheel drive |
| Gearbox | six-speed manual only |
| Differential | GKN limited-slip differential |
| Brakes | 320 mm front, 280 mm rear discs |
| Body | five-door hatchback of the Mazda3 |
The Mazdaspeed3, Mazda3 MPS and Mazdaspeed Axela are the same model under three market names.
History of the Mazdaspeed3 (Mazda3 MPS)
Mazda unveiled the Mazda3 MPS at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in February. The same model is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and in Japan as the Mazdaspeed Axela. It is front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged inline-four, producing 263 hp and 380 N·m, with a limited-slip differential. It was Mazda’s first hot hatchback since the BG Familia GT-X of the early 1990s. The Mazdaspeed3 was designed before a new wave of hot hatches including the Dodge Caliber SRT4, Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The first generation used the same turbocharged 2.3-litre MZR L3-VDT engine as the Mazdaspeed Atenza, known as the Mazdaspeed6 in North America and the Mazda6 MPS in Europe. In this application it produced 263 bhp and 280 lb·ft on 91-octane fuel, routed through the front wheels rather than the all-wheel-drive system of the Mazdaspeed Atenza; Australia received the Mazda3 MPS with the same 190 kW engine as the Mazda6 MPS. The engine was listed in Ward’s 10 Best Engines for three years running. A GKN limited-slip differential was standard, along with a six-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes, traction control and dynamic stability control, and no automatic was offered.
To limit wheel slip, boost was limited in first gear to about 230 hp and in second gear as well, the amount of reduction depending on the gear selected and the steering angle; there was no reduction from third gear upwards. The car used the five-door hatchback body of the Mazda3, with extra structural bracing and subtle exterior differences, and Volvo-sourced 320 mm front and 280 mm rear brake discs under 18-inch wheels. Road tests recorded 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds, skidpad figures of 0.87 to 0.91 g and a quarter-mile in 14.0 seconds at 101 mph. The car was offered in two trim levels, with the Grand Touring adding leather and racing seats over the Sport.
Design and features
- 263 hp through the front wheels: the same 2.3 turbo as the Mazdaspeed6, without all-wheel drive.
- Boost limiting: power cut in first and second gear to keep the front tyres from spinning.
- Limited-slip differential: a GKN unit was standard, with a six-speed manual only.
- Ward’s 10 Best: the 2.3 turbo engine was listed for three years running.
Mazdaspeed3 (Mazda3 MPS) versions
- Mazdaspeed3 / Mazda3 MPS (2007–2009): first generation with 263 hp.
- Mazdaspeed Axela: the Japanese name for the same car.
- Sport and Grand Touring: the two North American trim levels.
The Mazdaspeed3 is the performance version of the Mazda 3, and it shares its engine with the Mazda 6 MPS. More Mazdas are in the Mazda collection.
Sources
- Mazdaspeed3, English Wikipedia: engine, differential, boost limits, performance, trims
- Mazda3 MPS, German Wikipedia: European version
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