Mazda 3 MPS (07-09)

Barks

Barks

Barks

Soldato
Joined
20 Jul 2008
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Have any of you driven/owned one of these?

It seems to me it's almost the Tesco Value of hot hatches but does its sheer raw performance translate into a good driving experience?
I have been a passenger in one at Thruxton and I can't really remember much other than the in gear acceleration was outrageously fast.

Fact is they are relatively unknown and great examples (high spec, very low mileage) can be picked up for £10k. Or would it be wiser spending the money on something more established like a Focus ST/Golf GTI.

Would be interested to hear opinions from owners and non owners.

Thanks,
 
The press reviews were "ok" - I quite like them, they're rare, decent looking - but for most people they were overlooked due to the badge, and it didn't help that cars like the Golf GTi and Focus ST were better cars to drive and "cooler" in the eyes of the kids.

EVO seemed to suggest the Aero kit was a wise investment too:
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/208443/mazda_3_mps.html
 
Yeah I believe it's over £400/year. Sodding Government!

Surely they won't depreciate too badly after such a substantial initial depreciation
 
I've had a quick do in the revision that was supposed to be a big improvement on the original and thought it was awful. Far to much power for the front wheels to cope with and numb steering to try and hide the torque steer. I dread to think how bad the first version was. I just didn't see the point of it. The only other modern/powerful fwd hatch I've tried is the mk5 Golf gti which was better but I still feel rwd (or 4wd) is the only decent way to use a reasonable ammount of power.
 
I think these deserve loads of respect, just like the 6 MPS, I always give drivers of latter an acknowledging nod when one pulls up next to me at traffic lights.
 
260bhp, and they look utterly stunning IMO.

Didn't realise they'd got that cheap either - I personally think it's a lot of car (and performance) for the money.
 
The new 3 MPS is out now so will probably afftect the prices of the old model, looks pretty mean aswell. Have to say though I really have taken a liking to the Mazda6, saw one in white with different bumpers to the standard model at my local dealers, looked great!
 
Hmm, I have been looking at these recently as well, very very good looking car imo and I just watched a few vids on youtube of someone booting it around the nurburgring is about 8.30 on a busy track day.

Quite cheap as well for what you are getting imo, that would offset the stupid tax cost.
 
What is it with this F-ing government. How can one of these be in the same tax band as cars which emit significantly more CO2 like Range Rovers and Lambos.
 
scott212 said:
What is it with this F-ing government. How can one of these be in the same tax band as cars which emit significantly more CO2 like Range Rovers and Lambos.
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I agree, the UK should use a system based on power output and engine size. Much fairer :p

The tax is peanuts anyway, stop whinging.
 
I quite like them, they are a bit different. They sound great - well from hearing them going around Thruxton :)
 
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