The sophisticated, high-performance Mazda6 MPS, which has been roaring over European roads for several months now, is about to get a little brother. The all-new Mazda3 MPS is the youngest member of the MPS family of flagship models, and is endowed from birth with athleticism, speed and cultivation. Delivery is expected in October.

The Mazda6 MPS founded the family of high-performance models earlier this year. It delivers cultivated power, superior handling and sophisticated good looks – with goose bump guarantee included. Now the family is expecting its first wild child, the Mazda3 MPS, all-new flagship model of the Mazda3 model range. It shares the same genes as the MPS family: strong yet stylish on the outside, sporty and refined on the inside, the same powerful MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo petrol with intercooler under the bonnet, good fuel consumption and upgraded suspension and brakes.

Yet, as in all families, there are attributes to each model that give them their own unique character. The Mazda6 MPS is the most powerful sedan Mazda has ever built, with all the elegance and comfort a four-door CD vehicle can offer, and high levels of driving fun via its unique active torque split all-wheel drive transmission. The new Mazda3 MPS is the hottest hatchback Mazda has ever produced and uses a front-wheel drive layout. Its deep character lines running up and over the bonnet and its large front air intake combine with the five-door body style to give it a more aggressive road presence than its big brother.

And because it is compact and lightweight, yet has the same direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet, it is a bit less tame off the starting line, reaching 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. With 260 PS of maximum output and 380 Nm of maximum torque on call at just 3,000 rpm, the new Mazda3 MPS is one of most powerful production cars in the world with front-wheel drive.