Zoom service (From The Northern Echo)

Zoom service

12:40pm Monday 30th November 2009

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The Mazda3 MPS has both dash and flash, says Matt Westcott.

THE Mazda3 MPS is designed for those who have a family, but aren’t quite ready for the pipe and slippers. Combining blistering pace with room enough for four and a boot to match, it offers something for everyone.

The car has been given a complete overhaul for 2009, and looks far more aggressive than the model it replaces.

There’s a new bonnet air intake which, as well as doing a sensible job, also enhances the car’s image.

Though based on the run-of-the-mill hatchback, the MPS has been given a design all of its own at the front end, has sweeping lines down its flanks and has a side under-spoiler for a lower-looking centre of gravity.

There’s an impressive spoiler located on top of the hatch, 18in wheels and deep skirts at the back to complete the look.

Inside, there’s a wraparound dashboard incorporating a new LED turbo boost gauge. The whole area has been designed for the driver with the centre console angled towards whoever is at the wheel, while the gear lever has also been moved closer.

Semi-bucket seats envelop the driver and passenger and the whole cabin is laid out in black with red stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

At the business end of the car there is a 2.3 litre engine, producing 256bhp and providing fantastic acceleration in the mid-range. It hits 60mph in a little over six seconds and goes on to a top speed of 155mph.

Despite this, Mazda claims that fuel consumption has gone down by half a litre per 100km.

To cope with the power there’s a six-speed manual gearbox with wider ratios than its predecessor.

On the road, the engine sounds like it means business when you floor the accelerator, but it’s not overpowering when you get up to cruising speed.

The shell of the car has been toughened up, better shock absorbers have been fitted and it has also been lightened, which means it handles better as a result.

With the competition comprising the likes of the Golf GTi and the Ford Focus ST, the Mazda3 MPS has its work cut out, but it’s cheaper than both of those rivals and comes better provided for, something that could see potential buyers opting for a bit of “zoom zoom”.

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