Both the much anticipated Mazda3 i-stop and MPS will feature direct injection turbo charged engines, a low (almost road scraping) ride in 5-door hatchback form. Mazda3′s redesign is based off the Mazda Kiyora concept. Check out the Mazda Press Release below for full info.

Official Mazda Press Release:

All-new Mazda3 i-stop, Mazda3 MPS to Premiere at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show

Mazda Motor Corporation will debut two new models of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) product range at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show from March 3 through 15, 2009. The world premiere of the Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda’s advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, will be shared with the all-new Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3′s high performance flagship model. The Mazda3 MPS (Mazdaspeed Axela) now features improved fuel economy and emissions that satisfy Euro Stage 5.

Mazda3 i-stop

The Mazda3 is one of Mazda’s core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.

The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup. It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.

Mazda3 MPS

The Mazda3 MPS sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.

The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager, Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, “These two models add extra value to an all-new Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal. The new Mazda3 series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new generation of motoring.”

From PaddockTalk dot com -

“Mazda has made a promising start to this year’s Targa Tasmania. The twin Mazda3 MPS hot hatches secured first and second position in the 2WD Showroom Competition in today’s Prologue.

Resident Mazda driver Rick Bates was the fastest in the event’s 2WD production car competition, posting a time of 3min 32secs around the 5km town stage. His team mate Alister McRae ran a close second only five seconds adrift.”

Standings:

Pure Tasmania Modern
1. McRae / Stewart
2. Buggee / Freame
3. Dunkley / Parker

Pure Tasmania Showroom 2WD
1. McRae / Stewart
2. Buggee / Freame
3. Dunkley / Parker

Congratulations to Team Mazda!

Mazda brings their Mazdaspeed3 to the 8th Annual Targa Tasmania Rally. A far cry from the Mazda2 Rally Edition shown previously on our site, The Mazda3 MPS (as it’s known down-unda’) will trounce through Tasmania’s outback from April 15th through the 20th, over 2000 kilometers! The excursion will be lead by drivers Rick Bates and Alister McRae, who have a lot to live up to after 2007′s successful run by Melinda Both and Samantha Stevens. Maybe a little battle of the sexes will rev-up participants’ engines. Good Luck Team Mazda!

Targa Tasmania Rally 2007

2008 Mazda3 Targa Rally Edition

Unlike other rally vehicles, Targa’s autos are equip with mostly stock parts inside and out.