Mazda 3 MPS: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Mazda 3 MPS was offered as a Hatchback 5-door across two generations and three recorded production phases from 2006 through 2013. Every phase uses a version named 2.3 MT, combining a 2,261 cc Gasoline turbo engine with a 6-speed Manual gearbox and FWD.
The Mazda 3 MPS was offered as a Hatchback 5-door across two generations and three recorded production phases from 2006 through 2013. Every phase uses a version named 2.3 MT, combining a 2,261 cc Gasoline turbo engine with a 6-speed Manual gearbox and FWD. The key buying differences are small but measurable: output is either 260 hp or 263 hp, kerb weight ranges from 1,455 to 1,550 kg, ground clearance falls from 160 to 145 mm across the listed phases, and the later cars have a 60-litre rather than 55-litre tank. On the catalogue figures alone, the 2009–2011 2.3 MT offers the strongest power-to-weight ratio; the 2011–2013 restyled 2.3 MT is the heaviest but has a recorded gross weight; and the 2006–2009 2.3 MT provides the most ground clearance.
Mazda 3 MPS generations: what changed?
The first-generation Mazda 3 MPS ran from 2006 to 2009 as a Hatchback 5-door with one version, 2.3 MT. Its 2,261 cc Gasoline engine produces 260 hp at 5,500 rpm and 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Kerb weight is 1,483 kg, gross weight is 1,910 kg, ground clearance is 160 mm, and fuel-tank capacity is 55 litres. Among the listed cars, this phase has the greatest ground clearance, but it also has the highest recorded combined and urban fuel consumption.
The second generation ran from 2009 to 2011 before its restyled phase. It also has one Hatchback 5-door version named 2.3 MT. Output rises to 263 hp while torque remains 380 Nm, and kerb weight drops to 1,455 kg. Compared with the first-generation 2.3 MT, that is 3 hp more and 28 kg less. Ground clearance decreases by 5 mm to 155 mm, while the tank grows by 5 litres to 60 litres. Gross weight is not measured.
The second-generation restyling ran from 2011 to 2013, remaining a Hatchback 5-door with one 2.3 MT version. Power returns to 260 hp, torque stays at 380 Nm, and kerb weight increases to 1,550 kg. It is 95 kg heavier than the 2009–2011 2.3 MT and has 10 mm less ground clearance at 145 mm. Its gross weight is 1,925 kg, while the tank retains the 60-litre capacity introduced with the second generation.
Mazda 3 MPS engine and specs comparison
All three 2.3 MT versions use a 2,261 cc Gasoline engine with 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, Turbo boost and Direct injection (direct). Compression ratio is 9.5, and bore and stroke are 87.5 × 94 mm. The first-generation and restyled second-generation engines are recorded as Front, transverse; engine position for the 2009–2011 version is not measured. All three require 98 fuel and pair a 6-speed Manual gearbox with FWD.
| Production phase and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2009, 2.3 MT | 260 hp / 191 kW at 5,500 rpm | 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm | 2,261 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2009–2011, 2.3 MT | 263 hp / 193 kW at 5,500 rpm | 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm | 2,261 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2011–2013 restyling, 2.3 MT | 260 hp / 191 kW at 5,500 rpm | 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm | Gasoline, 98 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
The 2009–2011 2.3 MT has the highest specific output at approximately 116.3 hp per litre. The other two 2.3 MT versions produce approximately 115.0 hp per litre. The difference is about 1.3 hp per litre, so the more meaningful numerical advantage of the 2009–2011 car comes from combining its extra 3 hp with the lowest kerb weight.
Mazda 3 MPS performance, fuel economy and mpg figures
Every listed 2.3 MT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reaches 250 km/h. A 0–60 mph figure is not measured. Despite the changes in power and weight, the supplied 0–100 km/h and top-speed figures do not distinguish one phase from another.
| Production phase and exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Urban consumption | Extra-urban consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2009, 2.3 MT | 6.1 sec | 250 km/h | 13.5 L/100 km | 7.5 L/100 km | 9.7 L/100 km |
| 2009–2011, 2.3 MT | 6.1 sec | 250 km/h | 13.2 L/100 km | 7.5 L/100 km | 9.6 L/100 km |
| 2011–2013 restyling, 2.3 MT | 6.1 sec | 250 km/h | 13.2 L/100 km | 7.5 L/100 km | 9.6 L/100 km |
Both second-generation phases use 0.3 L/100 km less in the urban cycle and 0.1 L/100 km less in the combined cycle than the first-generation 2.3 MT. Extra-urban consumption is identical at 7.5 L/100 km. MPG is not measured, CO₂ emissions are not measured, and the emissions class is not measured.
Mazda 3 MPS weight, dimensions and chassis specs
| Production phase and exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Weight per hp | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel size | Tyre size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2009, 2.3 MT | 1,483 kg | 1,910 kg | 5.70 kg/hp | 160 mm | 55 L | not measured | not measured |
| 2009–2011, 2.3 MT | 1,455 kg | not measured | 5.53 kg/hp | 155 mm | 60 L | not measured | not measured |
| 2011–2013 restyling, 2.3 MT | 1,550 kg | 1,925 kg | 5.96 kg/hp | 145 mm | 60 L | not measured | not measured |
The 2009–2011 2.3 MT has the best calculated weight-to-power figure at approximately 5.53 kg per hp. The first-generation 2.3 MT follows at approximately 5.70 kg per hp, while the restyled 2011–2013 2.3 MT records approximately 5.96 kg per hp. Compared directly, the 2009–2011 version carries about 0.43 kg less for each horsepower than the restyled car.
All versions use Independent, spring suspension at both ends, Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes. Overall exterior length, width and height are not measured. Weight distribution, wheel size and tyre size are also not measured.
Mazda 3 MPS reliability and problems
Reliability results, service history, engine-oil specification, oil capacity, engine code, engine-mount condition and rebuild data are not measured. The supplied figures therefore cannot support a claim that one 2.3 MT is more reliable than another. They also provide no evidence for comparing engine condition between production phases.
A buyer can compare the recorded specification, but condition-dependent questions require evidence outside this catalogue dataset. No price or sale data is provided, so it is not possible to calculate whether any generation’s numerical advantages justify a particular premium.
Which Mazda 3 MPS version should you buy?
Choose the 2009–2011 2.3 MT if power-to-weight performance is the priority. Its 263 hp output is the highest by 3 hp, its 1,455 kg kerb weight is the lowest by 28 kg against the first generation and by 95 kg against the restyling, and its calculated 5.53 kg/hp is the best result. It also matches the later restyled car’s 9.6 L/100 km combined consumption and 60-litre tank.
Choose the 2006–2009 2.3 MT if ground clearance matters most. Its 160 mm clearance exceeds the 2009–2011 car by 5 mm and the restyled car by 15 mm. The trade-offs in the supplied figures are a smaller 55-litre tank, 13.5 L/100 km urban consumption and 9.7 L/100 km combined consumption.
Choose the 2011–2013 restyled 2.3 MT if the restyled production phase itself is the deciding requirement and you want a version with both kerb and gross weights recorded. Its 60-litre tank and 9.6 L/100 km combined consumption match the earlier second-generation car, but it has 3 hp less, weighs 95 kg more and sits 10 mm lower.
Based strictly on the catalogue numbers, the 2009–2011 2.3 MT is the strongest all-round choice. It delivers the highest power, lowest kerb weight and best power-to-weight ratio without sacrificing the shared 6.1-second 0–100 km/h time, 250 km/h top speed or second-generation fuel-consumption figures.