Mazda 3 MPS Hot Hatch Under Consideration – It’s Up To You

Mazda says that a hotter 3 MPS could return, but it is up to the public’s reaction to decide if the new generation hot hatch should materialize.

The Hiroshima-based firm used to offer hotter versions of the 3, but discontinued it when the previous generation 3 (codenamed BM) was introduced in 2013.

Sources within Mazda have confirmed with Car and Driver that the company is seriously considering the reintroduction of the hot hatch to compete against the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, and Hyundai i30 N.

After all, Mazda has all the required hardware at its disposal to transform the all-new 3 into a formidable hot hatch, including the turbocharged SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre engine (227 hp/420 Nm) and the i-Activ AWD system.

To recap, the Mazda 3 MPS first debuted back in 2007 with the first generation Mazda 3 (codenamed BK), while the second and final generation MPS came along with the second generation Mazda 3 (codenamed BL).

Both models featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre MZR four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that sent all 263 hp and 380 Nm to the front wheels. A GKN limited-slip differential helped to keep things under control.

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