The Mazdaspeed or MPS version of the Mazda3 was definitely a car that hot hatch enthusiast had on their radar for its rakish looks, solid (but not the best) handling performance and a 2.3-liter engine pushing out 256 hp and firing it to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.1 seconds.
These kinds of numbers put it on par with all its main rivals, but according to some reviews, it loses out overall due to excessive torque steer and understeer is not as well controlled as it could – it can power out of corners pretty well, though, thanks to carefully spaced gears (revised for 2013) and the all-important limited-slip differential.
However, according to Drive, its successor may evolve into a different kind of performance offering, with the proposed premise of it being fitted with all-wheel drive. The Australian report quotes the local continental managing director, Martin Benders, who did concede to the fact that “the factory is still sort of considering it.” He built up his statement by predictably adding that “the priority is to get all the base cars rolled out and set up and worry about the specialty models going forward.”
Moreover, it’s definitely technically feasible given that the new 3 shares its basic platform with the CX-5 crossover. In fact, Mr. Benders said, “it’s not difficult to install,” so it’s only a matter of the top brass making up their mind and giving the go-ahead.
We couldn’t possibly say no to the prospect of a hot all-wheel drive Mazda3, a car that looks good in standard form, and will hopefully look even more so all lowered and spoilered up.
Regarding the engine, nothing has been said thus far, but it can’t be less than that of the outgoing model, so if that does turn out to be the case, then some established models like the Subaru Impreza WRX and VW Golf R, and at a stretch perhaps even the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, should have a fight in their hands.
By Andrei Nedelea
Thanks to Frisco for the tip!
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