mazda3 mx sport thingy?

[matt_mr2t]

Other than the basics, 2.3L 4 pot turbo, I didn't know too much about them, I thought they might be 4WD as the Mazda6 MPS (which uses the same engine) is but alas they're FWD. While I was googling I read that they use a "special valve" that completely eliminates lag

FWD with Torsen LSD.

IMO its a premium version of the Focus ST, Bose soundsystem FTW!

Except the Focus ST has a 2.5 litre straight 5 that sounds awesome and goes really well.

And, IMO only, this



Looks better than this




However, if you want a proper 'premium' Focus....

[JohnnyC]

Looks better than this

Not a fair pic.


Here...

[Marf]

Other than the basics, 2.3L 4 pot turbo, I didn't know too much about them, I thought they might be 4WD as the Mazda6 MPS (which uses the same engine) is but alas they're FWD. While I was googling I read that they use a "special valve" that completely eliminates lag

FWD with Torsen LSD.

IMO its a premium version of the Focus ST, Bose soundsystem FTW!

Except the Focus ST has a 2.5 litre straight 5 that sounds awesome and goes really well.

And, IMO only, this

Image Replaced With URL For Quote http://www.hartwell.co.uk/UsedCarPics/8 ... K60RSX.JPG

Looks better than this

Image Replaced With URL For Quote http://photos.autoexpress.co.uk/images/ ... 1283_7.jpg


However, if you want a proper 'premium' Focus....



Image Replaced With URL For Quote http://www.volvopic.com/volvo/car/pictu ... 546645.jpg

Sure, the ST has a 2.5 5cyl lump from Ovlov(bigger and heavier than the DISI turbo lump in the Mazda) but it has no LSD in its gearbox and relies on stupid electronic systems to mete out the torque rather than a nice simple mechanical connection between the front wheels.

As for going well, like I said on page one theres not much in it between one of these and a Tubby, so I'd say they go pretty well.

The Focus is the obvious choice, and not in a good way. Everyone knows what an ST is. The MPS is much more exclusive. Depends what you want out of a car really, mainstream "cred" or to pass by largely unnoticed.

I'll take the Mazda every day of the week(unless Volvo decide to make the Polestar )

[matt_mr2t]

Jonny, did I post one thats not an MPS as the one you posted is a totally different looking car?
Still dont like it, the grill looks like the Pug with that stupid cartoon character grin.

[Marf]

Matt, the red one you posted is the first 3MPS shape, no big vents or obvious aero mods. They have made the latest one more aggressive looking.

[matt_mr2t]

Do they do a 3 door version? For me the back doors are the biggest killer.

[Marf]

Not currently no. Rumours abound that a 3 door will be available in their 2012 lineup.

[matt_mr2t]

Gotta say though, I think these are all better looking. Although whats the price on a 3MPS?







I live near Basildon Essex, which as far as I can tell is the "nest" where all Focus RS's exist as far as I can tell. In any one visit to Basildon I generally see 2 or 3 a time.

[Marf]

Although whats the price on a 3MPS?

About 8k for a low mile 07 car.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2504723.htm

Like I said above, for me the MPS of that shape is a no brainer. Fast, subtle, well equipped and with a real LSD.

That said if I had 8k to spend on a quick car, it'd likely be a 99/00 STi Type R.

[matt_mr2t]

I just cant love it due to the looks. Sure it's a good car, but I would always look out of the window and see the automotive equivalent of an below average bird with no makeup.

[Marf]

Fair enough Matt.

*cough* shallow *cough*

[JohnnyC]

To be fair, the *early* 3MPS is a bit of a moose.
Facelift version though

[Quigonjay]

i think the £425 a year tax will put most people off the mazda

[matt_mr2t]

i think the £425 a year tax will put most people off the mazda

Really?

Why is it so much higher than the rivals?

[Marf]

Because it puts out too many nasty nasty carbons!

231g/km (Band L) compared to the Focus ST at 224 g/km (Band K)

[matt_mr2t]

Well obviously......derrrr

What I mean is, how can the other cars get themselves pushing out less CO2 per KM than that. Especially as the Focus is a 5 cylinder and the Golf is a 6.

[Marf]

Well obviously......derrrr

What I mean is, how can the other cars get themselves pushing out less CO2 per KM than that. Especially as the Focus is a 5 cylinder and the Golf is a 6.

Derrrr..... the MPS has more power than all of them!

MPS 260
ST 221
R32 250

[Quigonjay]

R32 is the worst of the lot, 257 g/km, unless you get an early '55' plate which just scrapes in, any after that are also £425
golf gti 189
focus st 224
even the focus rs and megane 250 are both in the cheaper bracket with 225 and 190 respectively

[matt_mr2t]

Annoyingly, due to these obscene tax brackets, emissions are a sales winner these days.

I say obscene as IMO, it should be based on yearly mileage not emissions. For instance, mums C1 is, IIRC 104 grams per km. My car is 220 something IIRC so just over twice as bad. However, she does 4-5 times the annual mileage I do so who's doing the most damage?

[GeoffC320]

Had a bit of a play with one of those Focus ST's a few months back. Just away from the lights, nothing major. Really nothing in it between that and my C320 Coupe. He was trying too.

Wouldn't necessarily fancy my chances on the twisties though.

From what I've read, the MPS is a bit quicker than most, agree that it's not the best looker though.