Mazda has taken to loading its cars with standard equipment in an attempt to appeal to both private customers and those that can then avoid the tax increases that go with too much dabbling in the options list.
And the range-topping Mazda 3 MPS, the fastest car the Japanese firm currently produces, is certainly no exception. No matter that this is the flagship of the 3 range: for a £21,230 hatchback, the kit list is bordering on insane. There really isn’t the space for all the highlights here, but satnav, metallic paint, Bluetooth, part-leather interior, dual-zone climate control and six-CD changer all feature. On the outside, unlike its predecessor, the MPS now looks the part with a large bonnet scoop and hefty rear wing.
Then there’s the engine. It’s not now the most powerful hatchback available – Ford‘s £27,000 RS model beats it – but the potent 260PS 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine has the expected impact on driver and company car tax bills. Emissions of 224g/km aren’t great, even if they are a 3% fall on the previous 3 MPS, while sub-30mpg isn’t good, even for a hot hatchback.
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