Mazda 3 MPS - terrible idea or not?

[FnG]magnolia

[FnG]magnolia

[FnG]magnolia

Caporegime
Joined
29 Aug 2007
Posts
28,770
Location
Auckland
Morning chaps.

We've changed our mind regarding replacing our aging Corolla with a saloon or wagon and are now considering sportier hatchbacks as the 'other' car to the Legacy. Whatever we buy won't have too many miles put on it (maybe 10 - 15,000 km a year) and will mainly be used for non-family stuff so space is not important. Not bothered about fuel economy nor insurance and probably looking to spend up to $30k or about 15k GBP.

I've had a drive in the Ford XR5 Turbo (Focus ST) and whilst it seems capable it doesn't really grab me. Renaultsport Cups or Trophys are out of the question due to rarity, as are most other European marques so I'm probably looking at a JDM import. Is there anything out there that I should be considering as well as a Mazda 3 MPS?
 
Drove the current 3 MPS around Silverstone earlier in the year, courtesy of Mazda. Very impressive bit of kit, very capable with immense traction, although the turbo lag was quite noticeable. Well worth a test drive.
 
[TW]Fox;17919301 said:
Buy a Falcon XR6.
Click to expand...

This was exactly what we were going to do until she decided that she wanted something smaller :o We looked at the XR5 but it's a pretty mediocre car IMO.

Maybe I should man up and start pushing the XR6 idea again.

Thanks Shad. Was that the new shape or the older shape? How much of a hooligan did you find it?

e : yup, Impreza has been strongly considered but I'm veering away from another Subaru. I do love them but variety is no bad thing :)
 
Last edited:
[TW]Fox;17919426 said:
She is wrong, ignore her and buy one anyway.
Click to expand...

+1.


Regarding the MPS, its a cracking car from what I've seen and read - but, as mentioned, they can have some pretty nasty turbo lag.
 
MPS is a awsome drive, get a aero kit model and its one of the best turbo'd FWD Hatch's on the market.

Value for money factor nothing can compare.


For Turbo lag, they just need an intake upgrade and remap - completely worth it, if you have it on your model - but we warned, would well be the traction control kicking in as its very sensitive - you can turn this off tho.
 
Boggo 2 litre Mazda3 struggles for traction, practically lethal, would be interesting to try an MPS and see how that fares! Must be 'interesting' to say the least! :D
 
I'm not buying an R8 Clubsport as the XR6 Turbo is the better car. I do like the DC-5 type R but they're pricey for what is available. I would prefer a turbo, Relentless81, so you're right on that point :)

For Turbo lag, they just need an intake upgrade and remap - completely worth it, if you have it on your model - but we warned, would well be the traction control kicking in as its very sensitive - you can turn this off tho.
Click to expand...

Can you tell me a bit more about this please? My knowledge of VOD and turbo lag is limited to Subarus where traction control is never an issue ;)
 
We has Mazda 3 MPS for few months as company car it was better than Ford Focus ST which we had at the time and Fiesta ST by very large margin despite MPS based on the same model it felt much more eager and playfull.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom