Mazda3 MPS scoops Geneva

The all new Mazda3 MPS, and its massive WRX-inspired bonnet scoop, will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

After recently being spotted at the Nürburgring, in full auto disguise, Mazda has unwrapped the new pocket rocket to reveal the wild new look. The new car will feature the same 2.3 DISI turbo powerplant from the current 3 MPS. We just have to hope Mazda has done a better job of harnessing every one of those 190kW that are fed through the front wheels.

The regular Mazda3 looks a bit quirky and ungainly with its big open mouth smile, the addition of the extroverted scoop seems to give the Mazda3 face more purpose.

Also making its first appearance in Geneva will be the Mazda3 i-Stop, the next car to have fuel saving stop-start technology.

Brief presser and more pics after the jump.

All-new Mazda3 i-stop, Mazda3 MPS to Premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show

Leverkusen, 3 February 2009. Mazda Motor Corporation will debut two new models of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) product range at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show from March 3 through 15, 2009. The world premiere of the Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda’s advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, will be shared with the all-new Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3’s high performance flagship model. The Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed Axela) now features improved fuel economy and emissions that satisfy Euro Stage 5.

Mazda3 i-stop
The Mazda3 is one of Mazda’s core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.

The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup. It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.

Mazda3 MPS
The Mazda3 MPS sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.

The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, “These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal. The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring.”

More from Mazda Australia…

New-Generation Mazda3 MPS to Premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation is pleased to announce the Mazda3 MPS high-performance flagship of the new-generation Mazda3 sports compact will make its long-awaited world debut at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show on March 3.

The new-generation Mazda3 MPS will rewrite hot-hatch benchmarks when it launches globally from the second half of 2009.

Mazda3 Program Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda says “The exhilarating Mazda3 MPS is the ultimate sporting expression of our new-generation Mazda3 range.

“It builds on the already capable new-generation Mazda3 hatch with higher levels of ferocity and exhilaration, and – like all new Mazda models – with an eye to environmental concerns, powering responsibly into the motoring future.”

The new-generation Mazda3 MPS takes the already striking exterior design of the new Mazda3 on which it’s based and cranks up the visual aggression.

The MPS hot-hatch’s sharp new clothes advertise the performance lurking beneath, both in the form of its 2.3-litre direct injection turbocharged engine, and its razor-sharp handling.

Maeda-san says “The MPS has evolved to an entirely new level of emotional design and exhilarating performance. The new-generation Mazda3 MPS is the embodiment of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit.”