Verdict
B
Hot Hatch · Japan · 2007-2013
Mazda 3 MPS
Mazda 3 MPS — spec data and generation history.
Years
2007-2013
Generations
2
Segment
Hot Hatch
Mazda's forgotten 256 bhp hot hatch - Mazda Performance Series. The L3-VDT 2.3-litre turbocharged DISI petrol mounted transversely, six-speed manual, FWD only. BK MPS (2007-2009) launched in Europe with a six-speed manual and the same 256 bhp / 380 Nm motor as the Mazdaspeed 3 in the US. BL MPS (2010-2013) was the smiley-face facelift carrying the same drivetrain. Massive torque steer, no LSD on early cars (the BL got a Torsen LSD on later trims as standard), but that turbo whoosh and the lairy attitude made this an underground cult car. Genuine sleeper - the Civic Type R / Focus ST got the headlines, the MPS got the smiles.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
BK 2007-2009 → BL 2010-2013
LSD Torsen added
Torque steer Tamed
Cabin tech Mildly improved
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2007-2009
BK
→
2.3 turbo - 256 bhp, 0-62 in 6.1s.
Verdict
B
BHP
256
0–60
6.1 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
30.0 mpg
Used
£4,500-£10,000
- + 256 bhp, 380 Nm - properly rapid for the day
- + 6MT manual standard
- − Vicious torque steer (no LSD on early)
- − Clutch fragile under launch
2010-2013
BL
→
2.3 turbo - 256 bhp, 0-62 in 6.1s.
Verdict
B
BHP
256
0–60
6.1 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
32.0 mpg
Used
£6,500-£14,000
- + Torsen LSD added - tames the torque steer
- + Smiley grille is divisive but distinctive
- − Smiley face still polarising
- − Discontinued 2013 - no successor MPS
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2007-2013 - BK/BL MPS
- Clutch failure under launch-control abuse
- Front axle CV joint wear (torque steer)
- L3-VDT high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
- Turbo wastegate actuator stick
Rivals
Honda Civic Type R FN2 · Ford Focus ST225 · Volkswagen Golf R32 · Renault Megane R26