RideLust

Still one of the greatest performance buys on a budget, the new 2010 Mazda3 MPS turbo wagon made its official debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show today, creeping ominously into WRX territory. Powered by Mazda’s MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo I-4, engine output has been boosted to 256 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and enables the new MPS to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 6.1 seconds. Thanks to the addition of Mazda’s i-stop technology, the 2010 MPS doesn’t sacrifice fuel efficiency for performance, either. Equipped with idle-stop system powered by combustion energy, the new Mazda3 achieves instant restart in 0.35 seconds and saves an estimated 14% in combined fuel consumption.

At first blush, the only significant modifications made to the new Mazda3 appear to be technical, but there are a few cosmetic additions too. Both the front fender and bumper were designed exclusively for the MPS, intended to compliment the larger, more significant air intake and distinctive front grill. Wedge-shaped lines were carved into the side panels and side under spoiler for a lower-looking center of gravity, an allusion further complimented by the “floating” rear spoiler. For the finishing fearsome touch, the Mazda3 MPS received the top of the line performance treatment with a new pair of 18″ aluminum alloy RX-8-inspired wheels.