Faults:

Nothing as yet except for corroded Mazda alloys - this seems standard on most. A little annoying after 5000 miles. Also I don't and never have thought much of Mazda dealers - best to try and buy independently if you can, and still get a warranty just in case!

General Comments:

I haven't had the car long, but it's very impressive so far. I used to own a 2004 Mazda 3 Sport (same shape as this car), and the MPS is a lot more refined, with less road noise at speed, and a better ride.

Acceleration is seriously awesome, and handling is very taut, especially at high speed. It would be nice if the steering had a bit more feel, but that's the only criticism on handling side. The ride is very good; quiet and smooth, unlike say a Civic Type-R.

I like the understated look of the car; it doesn't really look quick, and is a definite example of a wolf in sheep's clothing. I think my old 3 Sport looked better, as it had nicer alloys and an aero rear bumper... just an opinion thing though! Being the last of this shape, it comes with piano black interior trim, iPod adapter, polished alloys, illuminated vanity mirrors.

Very comfortable; safe, awesome Bose sound system and feels built to last. I also love the dashboard lighting. My old 3 Sport had done 88000 miles and never had any suspension/engine/steering problems at all; a testament to Mazda engineering. I hope this one will be as good.

Amazing to have 260bhp on a smallish car like this; it never feels like it is going to lose control; no turbo lag and there isn't any torque steer. When turning the engine on when it's cold, it rev's at 2000rpm for a minute or so until it calms down - it seems a bit high?

I've never been a fan of Bridgestone tyres, which it has at the moment (original factory fit); they produce a bit too much road noise at low speed, and wet weather grip isn't great. Next time round I'll probably go back to Kumho Ecsta SPT - voted as the best by AutoExpress. They were excellent on my old car.

Highly recommended car, plainer than the Civic Type-R, but better built and more refined, more stylish and better economy than the R32 (probably more reliable too), and it's something a little different, which doesn't shout 'chav' or 'bodykits and spoilers', but will outpace most cars!

Faults:

None as yet, only had it 6 days so wasn't expecting any!

General Comments:

Having decided to take the plunge back into owning a quick car, the wife put the blockers on me getting another 3000GT; not enough room in the back was the cry, as well as her dislike for older cars.

After a bit of research, I settled upon the all new 2010 model Mazda 3 MPS. A lot of MPS owners prefer the gen1 model to the new one, but I have to say I quite like it. The spec level is very good, and for the money I paid, 20k straight with a bit of haggling and a generous 1k allowance paid by Mazda, quite a bargain.

I am still running the engine in, but have to say the mid range pull on this car is nothing short of phenomenal, only had it 6 days and have seen off an Impreza WRX / Boxster S / Audi S3. I wasn't gonna mention the Civic Type R that tried and failed miserably; I really hate those cars and hate the owners even more, pieces of crap.

The MPS is a very underrated car; the ride can be a bit harsh, that is my only gripe so far.