Mazda 3 MPS officially revealed

The 3 MPS boasts sporty styling cues to differentiate itself from its lesser siblings, including a hood-mounted intercooler scoop, different front and rear bumpers, aggressive side skirts, and 18-inch aluminium wheels outfitted with Dunlop tires. Other design features include bi-xenon headlamps, a metallic black rear valance, LED taillights, and a massive roof-mounted rear spoiler.

The 3 MPS is powered by a 2.3 litre DISI turbocharged engine that produces 260bhp and 380Nm of torque. This enables it to rocket from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds, while top speed is electronically-limited to 250km/h. Other performance features include a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a revised six-speed manual transmission with wider gear ratios, and improved drive shafts to minimize torque steer.

The 3 MPS has a slightly reworked chassis with a firmer suspension with stiffer springs and higher damping rates. Steering has also been tuned for improved steering feel, while larger stabilisers reduce body roll. There is also a new electronically-controlled brake assist system.

Inside, the 3 MPS gets a special black interior with red accents, aluminium pedals, and a redesigned instrument cluster with a LCD turbo-boost gauge. Sport seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a new multi-information display complete the package.