Mazda Previews 2010 Mazda3 MPS Before Geneva

The second generation of Mazda's popular 3 (Axela in Japan) compact car debuted at the Los Angeles motor show in 2008.  Still based on the Ford of Europe C1 platform (second-generation Focus, Volvo S40 and derivatives), the new 3 is a bit better in every manner: longer, wider, lighter(!), and... well, it's a bit funny looking.  But so are Subarus, and people still buy those!

If you're ready for an extra heavy load of funny looking, the 2010 Mazda3 MPS will be right up your alley.  The new car's styling is somewhat questionable; the front grille looks like a hillbilly smiling at his cousin, and the overall impression isn't one of seriousness.  Not that all cars need to be mini-Benzes though, god forbid.

While other 3's get by with 2.0L or 2.5L naturally-aspirated inline fours, the MPS is Mazda's top-of-the-line hot hatch, and will have more than adequate firepower to match.  It uses the same 2.3L MZR DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) Turbo motor as the old Mazda3 MPS (MazdaSpeed3 in US Market.)

In previous trim, this engine was good for a stonking 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.  Mazda hasn't released specifications of the new model, but I certainly wouldn't guess it would make less power.

The DISI is quite a motor; in my eyes, it's got a leg and a half up on VW/Audi's corporate 2.0L DI Turbo motor.  It's very balanced; the large displacement gives it low end torque, and the direct injection allows a high compression ratio even while running lots of boost.  All good.

So, what's up with that hood scoop?  Good question.  While most manufacturers these days are going to front or side-mounted intercoolers for their turbo cars, Mazda is still putting theirs atop the valve cover.  While this means less lag (because there is less pressure drop over the intercooler loop, since there's less piping), the old Speed3's intercooler tended to suffer from a bit of heatsoak in heavy traffic.  Solution?  Hood scoop!

The Mazda3 MPS will debut at this year's Geneva motor show in March.  Mazda says the new car will keep the impressive performance and sense of urgency of the old car, while adding a bit more smoothness and refinement.  More details and pretty press photos are forthcoming!