Mazda Motor Corp has taken the wraps off an updated and expanded Mazda 3 range, at the Geneva Motor Show, with the all-new Mazda 3 MPS taking its place as the flagship of the line up.

Mazda 3 MPS becomes the second Mazda Performance Series model following the launch of the Mazda 6 MPS last year.

The Mazda 3 MPS has a distinctly MPS design that combines a refined, yet strong and sporty road presence that is carried over into the interior with a look and feel that evolves Mazda craftsmanship and quality even further.

Powered by Mazda’s 2.3-litre direct injection, spark ignition engine the front drive Mazda 3 MPS boasts more than 184 kW at 5,400 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Installed in a lightweight and compact body, the engine propels Mazda 3 MPS to a top speed of 250 km/h, and from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. These figures make the Mazda 3 MPS one of the world’s most powerful front-drive sports compacts.

To handle this level of performance, torque characteristics are carefully controlled to improve driveability.

Torque delivery from first through fourth gears are optimised to deliver appropriate drive power from take off. Torque control is also linked to the steering angle, and the stiffness of the left and right drive shafts is balanced with the angles optimised to control torque steer.

A newly-developed limited slip differential is also adopted to provide ample torque to the inner wheel during hard cornering for smooth, predictable driving.

The body, suspension and brakes are specially tuned as part of the vehicle’s all-round optimisation. The result is outstanding performance and agile handling that deliver high levels of driving pleasure.

The new Mazda 3 MPS employs the six-speed manual transmission introduced with the Mazda 6 MPS that provides the driver with the pleasure of having full control over the vehicle’s high power, while contributing to a quiet ride and better fuel economy.

Since its launch in 2003, Mazda 3 has become Mazda’s best-selling vehicle and the company has had to increase production to meet global demand.

To further enhance its global popularity, Mazda has refreshed its compact star’s line-up in a 2006 version with enhanced design and comfort, optimised performance and even higher levels of interior quality feel.

New exterior enhancements to both the modern and elegant sedan and the sporty hatchback further support a standard Mazda 3 line up with two distinct models for customers to choose from.

The Mazda 3’s MZR 2.0-litre engine now features sequential valve timing and an electronic throttle, boosting power and torque, while the 2.3-litre engine that powers the popular SP23 models also gets an electronic throttle.

A six speed manual or five-speed automatic will be offered on the SP23 sedan and hatch.

The Mazda 3’s class-leading dynamics have been further improved. Changes include upgraded damper performance and improved aerodynamics for even better handling, stability and driving fun.

Overall comfort has also been significantly upgraded with more insulation against road noise, revised tyres and reduced suspension vibration.

The Mazda 3 MPS and the updated Mazda 3 range will arrive in Australia during the second half of this year. Specification and pricing will be confirmed at launch time.

Renault Clio Renaultsport 197
1st March, 2006
The new Clio Renaultsport 197 stands out as a worthy successor to Clio Renaultsport 182 and features a groundbreaking first in its segment in the form of a rear air diffuser ..... more

Suzuki To Contest WRC From 2007
1st March, 2006
Suzuki has announced, at the Geneva Motor Show, that it will enter the World Rally Championship (WRC) from August, 2007 onwards ..... more

Audi's New Allroad
1st March, 2006
Audi’s brand new A6 Avant based Allroad quattro all-terrain vehicle has been unveiled in readiness for the 2006 Geneva Motor Show ..... more

Daewoo's New Holden Captiva
28th February, 2006
Holden’s new Daewoo-built sports utility vehicle will be called Captiva and will be powered by a new 3.2-litre Global V6 all-alloy engine ..... more

Mitsubishi Offers Limited Edition 380
28th February, 2006
What do you get when you take a limited number of the award-winning Mitsubishi 380 and add many of the features you would normally only find in high-end signature models? ..... more

DTM: Audi Signs Ickx and Scheider
27th February, 2006
Audi has resigned former DTM driver Timo Scheider and the Belgian born Vanina Ickx who will contest the 2006 DTM ..... more

World Premiere of the Most Economical Polo Ever
27th February, 2006
In Geneva, Volkswagen will present its first series production vehicle under the BlueMotion banner: the Polo BlueMotion ..... more

WRC Leaders Ford Seek Treble In Mexico
27th February, 2006
The unbeaten BP-Ford World Rally Team will take its lead in the FIA World Rally Championship to Mexico this week ..... more

Peugeot 207 Achieves 5 Stars In Euro NCAP Result
26th February, 2006
A Euro NCAP 5 star occupant protection, 3 star pedestrian protection and 4 star child protection rating has not been achieved before by a supermini ..... more

Last Monaro To Shine In Emerald
24th February, 2006
The country Queensland businessman who bought the very last current generation Monaro in a global auction seen his historic coupe for the first time today ..... more

Holden At The Brisbane Motor Show
24th February, 2006
The stunning custom EFIJY will make its Queensland debut alongside current Holden models at the Brisbane Motor Show from Friday 3rd March ..... more

Audi Continues Success: Annual Press Conference
23rd February, 2006
Audi has posted record figures again in the 2005 financial year for revenue, profit before tax, production and vehicle sales ..... more

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
23rd February, 2006
Automobili Lamborghini will present the passionately developed evolution of the Lamborghini Murciélago Coupé at the 76th Geneva Motor Show next week ..... more

Audi RS 4 now also in Avant and Cabriolet
22nd February, 2006
Audi will be offering additional versions of the RS 4. Following the successful market launch of the saloon, the Avant and Cabriolet versions will be available from mid-year ..... more

Prince Andrew Visits Rolls-Royce
22nd February, 2006
His Royal Highness The Duke of York yesterday visited the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars manufacturing plant and head office at Goodwood ..... more

Shepparton's Moke Muster
21st February, 2006
The 40th anniversary of Australian Moke production is being celebrated with the first National Moke Muster ..... more

McNish Bids To Make History In Audi's Diesel Racer
21st February, 2006
Allan McNish will aim to become the first Briton to win the Le Mans 24 Hour race driving a diesel-powered sportscar ..... more

UK Competitor Selected For 2006 G4 Challenge
21st February, 2006
Brian Reynolds, a railway engineer, has beaten two other UK finalists in the Land Rover G4 Challenge to take his place as the UK representative ..... more

Ford's S-Max And Galaxy For Geneva
20th February, 2006
Ford Motor Company today announced the arrival of two all-new interpretations of the modern people carrier. The sporty new Ford S-Max and the spacious new Ford Galaxy ..... more

North America's New Hummer H3 X
19th February, 2006
Less than a year after the H3 went on sale, Hummer has announced, at the Chicago Motor Show, a new model called H3 X, based on the H3 Street Concept ..... more

Audi S6 V10 for Australia
19th February, 2006
The new Audi S6 is characterised by a refined flow of power in conjunction with superlative comfort and an elegantly understated appearance ..... more

Volkswagen's Compact AWD Concept Vehicle
17th February, 2006
Volkswagen has revealed its latest design study, the Concept A, a crossover between a sports car and a compact SUV ..... more

Ford Territory SR
17th February, 2006
Ford unveiled a special edition model of its popular award winning Territory at the Melbourne Motor Show – the Ford Territory SR ..... more

Europe's Seat Ibiza For 2006
17th February, 2006
The new Seat Ibiza has now arrived in Seat’s European dealer network. Seat's most successful model has undergone a major styling transformation ..... more

Peugeot At The Geneva Motor Show
16th February, 2006
At the 76th Geneva International Motor Show the Peugeot 207 will make its world première and is set to be the ‘star of the show’ ..... more