Geneva 2009: 2010 MazdaSpeed3 (Mazda 3 MPS)

Ladies and gentleman, get your wrist splints ready.  The torque steer's back, and it's not playing nice.  Mazda has rolled out some more details on the completely revamped 2010 Mazda 3 MPS (MazdaSpeed3 in the US), and it look like it's going to be... a handful.  And of course I say that in the best way possible.

The powertrain of the 2010 MazdaSpeed3 is a carryover from the last generation, which is no bad thing.  Power comes from the same 2.3L direct-injected four cylinder turbo motor, which cranks out a steering-wheel-jerking 268 horsepower.  Power is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission.  There's no word yet on how the MPS 3 will deal with those 280 lb-ft of torque (380nM), but we've got a few guesses.  Mazda fitted the previous MPS3 (MazdaSpeed3) with a GKN limited-slip differential, as well as ECU software to limit torque output in the first two gears, but as someone who's driven a previous MazdaSpeed3, I can vouch for the fact that it's just not enough.

Rumor has it the new MPS3 will be fitted with Ford's RevoKnuckle MacPherson front suspension.  This specially designed strut decreases the scrub radius of the front suspension as well as decreasing the kingpin offset, which reduces the effects of torque steer under hard acceleration.  Considering this system works well enough to tame Ford's 305bhp turbo-five cylinder powered Focus RS, it should do wonders on the wayward traits of the MazdaSpeed3.

Mazda says the interior of the new 3 is a considerable improvement in quality as well as NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) factors, which remains to be seen on a test drive.  From experience, the old MazdaSpeed3 had a pretty well-constructed if plasticky feeling interior, and let in quite a bit of road noise.  However, most of it was good noise (exhaust note, turbo compressor "whoosh") and rather fitting with this segment.  The new interior looks quite nice, though.

The bodywork is a change from the old MS3, which was alternatively criticize and praised for being rather subdued.  No such luck here; the new Speed 3 sports a giant gaping smile of a front grille, sort of like a really happy anime character smile if you will.  Despite the interesting grille, the rest of the styling is quite modern and cohesive.  The front foglights are housed in RX8-alike triangular surrounds, and the headlights look like they're ported over directly from the new 6.  The styling around the sides uses some popular modern techniques to disguise the large surface area that modern crash standards mandate; smoothly flared fenders integrate nicely with a sharp swage line running down the side of the body.

The stance is low and purposeful, and the MPS 3 sits on an aggressive set of 18" alloy wheels with some sticky rubber bands for tires.  Most noticeable, though, is that Subaru-style hoodscoop.  Where'd that come from?  Well, it makes some sense - the Mazda 2.3 DISI-T uses a top-mounted air-to-air intercooler for packaging purposes, and a hood scoop is the best way to direct air to one.  It won't do the car any favors when it comes to attracting the wrong kind of attention, though.

Mazda has yet to release further details on performance specifications or pricing, so stay tuned.  With the same raucous powertrain as the old model, but increased refinement and less dodgy behavior under throttle, the new Speed3 will be a force to be reckoned with in the market.