What is it?
This is the super-powerful Mazda 3 MPS hatch with slightly more in-yer-face looks. Despite having some of the worst, most congested roads in Europe, we Brits place far greater emphasis on a cars handling and looks compared with our Continental cousins: we like supposedly sporty cars to look and feel sporty.
As UK dealers and buyers havent warmed to the MPSs super-subtle looks, Mazda is introducing this UK-only Sports Aero Kit (SAK).
For 500 over the standard MPSs 18,995 price, the SAK gives you a bigger rear spoiler, sculpted two-spoke door mirrors and an Eibach spring kit.
Whats it like?
Even if you like the standard MPSs understated looks, its hard to deny that the SAK car looks better. Its still a stealthy machine, but now less likely to be confused for a 1.6 (just as well when youve got a turbocharged 2.3-litre 256bhp powerplant).
So thats the looks taken care of, but what about the handling? The front of the car now sits 25mm lower; the rear is 10mm down. Its hardly a dramatic change, but enough to have some effect.
Jump from standard car to Aero Kit car and the most obvious difference is a slightly more fidgety ride. Bigger bumps are still nicely smoothed out, but pitted surfaces and small ridges can be felt more readily through the front of the car.
The pay-off should be in the steering. Turn-in is ever-so-slightly sharper, the car also feeling a touch more nimble around the straight-ahead. In addition there is a mild difference in feel, though we wouldnt necessarily say that there is more feel.
Should I buy one?
Think of the MPS as a mini GT car rather than a hot hatch and you wont be disappointed: its refined, well-equipped and comfortable, and the Aero Kit adds to its appeal.
Rory Lumsdon
First drive data
How much?
- Price when new 19,495
- Price as tested 19,495
- 0-62 mph 6.1 sec
- Max speed 155 mph
- Weight 1483 kg
- Combined 29.1 mpg
- CO2 emissions 231 g/km
- Layout 4 , 2261 cc
- Max power 256 bhp at 5500 rpm
- Max torque 280 lb ft at 3000 rpm
