Mazda joins the hot hatch fray with new MPS

Mazda drew back the covers on an all-new hot hatch based on the Mazda3 in Geneva. First glance suggests that the Mazda3 MPS looks to be another serious contender for front-wheel drive hot hatch honours in what has become a tightly fought market sector.

Juicy details include a 2.3-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine and front-wheel drive. This is the same engine as used in the Mazda6 MPS; in the Mazda3 that means about 250bhp being fed through a six-speed manual gearbox. Sadly, the Mazda3 MPS will not feature four-wheel drive, instead relying on traction control and the driver's self-restraint to eliminate wheel spin.

Like the Mazda6 MPS, the Mazda3 version is relatively restrained with regards to its styling, though the add-ons really suit the pert shape of the regular Mazda3 (itself receiving a freshen-up at the Geneva Show). A discreet body kit includes a deeper front bumper (incorporating oblong fog lights), side skirts, a rear apron and a roof-mounted spoiler. Alas, the distinctive rear diffuser and double exhausts of the Mazda6 MPS have not been used.

Other powerful front-wheel drive hatches the MPS will have to compete against include the Vauxhall Astra VXR, Ford Focus ST, VW Golf GTi and the forthcoming Honda Civic Type-R and Clio RenaultSport. It could jump straight to the top of the pile in the power race, with performance to match.