Review: Mazda BK Mazda3 MPS (2006-09)

Overview

Released in Australia in July 2006, the Mazda BK Mazda3 MPS was a five-door hatchback. Manufactured in in Hofu, Japan, the front-wheel drive Mazda3 MPS was powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

L3-VDT Engine

Shared with the Mazda6 MPS , the 2261 cc L3-VDT petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, direct injection (Mazda’s ‘Direct Injection Spark Ignition’, or DISI) operating at up to 115 bar, a single-scroll Borg Warner K04 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.076 bar (15.6 psi), an air-to-air intercooler mounted on top of the engine, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

To ensure progressive power delivery and minimise understeer in first and second gear, throttle valve position and boost pressure were regulated by the electronic throttle control and turbocharger wastegate, respectively.

Aisin BG6 transmission

The BK Mazda3 MPS had a six-speed Aisin BG6 (A26MX-R) transmission which had a compact three-shaft design. In this transmission, the first three gears had triple-cone synchronisers, while fourth gear had double-cone synchronisers.

Performance and fuel economy

The BK Mazda3 MPS could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and had an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The Mazda3 MPS required 95 RON premium unleaded petrol (minimum); over the combined ADR 81/01 test cycle, fuel consumption was 10.0 litres per 100 km.

Dimensions and body

Relative to the standard BK Mazda3 hatch , the Mazda3 MPS was 25 mm longer (at 4430 mm) and 20 mm wider (1765 mm), though height (1465 mm) and wheelbase length (2640 mm) were unchanged. Furthermore, the BK Mazda3 had a kerb weight of 1403 kg and drag coefficient of 0.34 Cd.

Visually, the Mazda3 MPS could be identified by its 20 mm wider flared front fenders, rectangular ‘floating image’ front fog lights, more prominent bonnet crease lines, side skirts, partially matte coloured rear bumper, 95 mm diameter tail pipe and rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light.

Compared to the standard BK Mazda3 , the Mazda3 MPS had a large closed section member that reinforced the floor tunnel and increased the torsional rigidity of the entire body. The Mazda3 MPS also had:

• a reinforced front cowl member that was joined to the top section of the front damper which prevented deformation of the front suspension towers – similar to a front tower strut brace – to maintain suspension geometry; and,
• a gusset at the bottom end of the rear towers to maintain rear suspension geometry by counter the tendency of the towers to displace inwards.

Suspension and steering

The BK Mazda3 MPS had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, four-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, double-acting shock absorbers and anti-roll bars). Compared to the standard Mazda3, the suspension of the Mazda3 MPS had:

• higher coil spring rates (33 N/mm front and 30 N/mm rear);
• high-performance dampers with up to six times more damping force depending on damper piston speed; and,
• larger diameter stabiliser bars (26 mm front and 25 mm rear);

Combined, these changes increased roll stiffness by 60 per cent to 3.47 degrees/G.

The BK Mazda3 MPS had hydraulic, power-assisted steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mazda BK Mazda3 MPS included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Mazda BK Mazda3 MPS had 320 mm by 25 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 280 mm by 11 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the BK.I Mazda3 – when fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.56 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious lower leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact crash test, there was a marginal risk of serious chest injury for the driver. A pole test – which may have earned the Mazda3 an additional two points – was not performed.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2006 BK.II Mazda3 with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.87 out of 37. Although the Mazda3 received enough points for a five star rating, its performance in the frontal offset crash test did not meet the requirements for this rating – protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front passenger and there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Features: Mazda3 MPS

Standard features for the Mazda3 MPS included 18 x 7.0J alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 89W tyres, a six speaker sound system with an MP3-compatible six-disc CD player and auxiliary input (3.5 mm/iPod), climate control air conditioning, semi-bucket front sports seats, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a 12 volt power socket, vanity mirrors, stainless steel scuff plates, tinted windows and an immobiliser.

The Mazda3 MPS was fitted with a mechanical, torque-sensing limited slip differential.

Features: Mazda3 MPS Sport Pack

The BK Mazda3 MPS was offered with an optional, extra-cost sports pack which added a 222 watt Bose sound system with seven speakers, xenon headlights, leather seat trim and high-gloss finished alloy wheels.

Paint colours

The BK Mazda3 MPS was available in True Red, Cosmic Blue, Aurora Blue and Black Mica paint finishes.

Related links

• Specifications: Mazda BK Mazda3 MPS (July 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Mazda BK Mazda3