We can’t help thinking that the designers over at Mazda have taken criticism of the dull-looking Mazda3 MPS to heart. In a fit of rage it seems someone started sketching big wings and a crazy bonnet scoop on to the car and these have somehow made it to production.

The new Subaru Impreza-esque face is not bad-looking by any means but it is a bit like Colin from accounts putting on a spangly disco suit for the Christmas party.


Joking aside, the fact that the car never looked like it was a fire-breathing 256bhp monster – one of the most powerful hatchbacks ever – has now been rectified, and it has a new lease of life.

There are now chunky alloys, a roof spoiler and a curiously smiley face surrounding the 2.3-litre DISI turbocharged engine. The car should hit 60mph in around 6 seconds and reach 155mph.

It is slightly lighter than the previous car and thus has better economy. It will be first seen at the Geneva motor show in March and should arrive in Britain in the following months.

That is one Seriously Ugly Car.

I hate the way Designers seem to be adding "Faces" to cars.. peugeot are guilty members of this.

It makes the car look "Cute" and not a fire breathing monster.
Bad call Mazda

250+ bhp in what is essentially a Fiesta

Function before form my dear Craig when we are sporting figures like that

Stuy, i made a similar comment on the pistonheads forum and got blasted by everyone saying that people shouldn't be so negative about cars they can't afford or handle.

Think there is obviously some old arguments about powerful FWD that i re-ignited and everyone jumped on the bandwagon.

I always thought a massive plus factor of the last MPS cars was the Q car factor. Not it looks like an impreza wannabe.

I do like the way mazda are making their cars lighter. Best and easiest way to improve economy and performance by far.

I cant see whats wrong with big power FWD cars and what the big deal is about? Some prefer fwd characteristics. Its far safer the rwd.

Its all down to the old "scrabble" debate, and that high power through front wheels is a waste, and if you want a real performance car go RWD etc etc etc blah blah blah...

Thats silly though. I see where thats coming from but its wrong. You just adapt your driving accordingly. Of course your not going to get 600bhp through the front wheels but its not exactly easy to get it through the rears either.

I love the way the escort scrabbles around for grip, then when it does it pulls side to side all the way up the road..... almost a bit like a rear wheel drive car....

cost effective. it would cost too much to make it 4\rwd. why do you think the new focus rs is only fwd?