New 260HP Mazda3 MPS to go on Sale in the UK on October 1st

Mazda has confirmed UK pricing for the all-new Mazda3 MPS that goes on sale October 1. The... smiley faced hot hatch is being marketed in the UK in a single trim level with pricing set at £21,500 (on the road) including mica or metallic paint finish. Based on the second generation Mazda3, the MPS is motivated by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four that makes 260 horsepower and 380Nm or 280 lb-ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Japanese firm announces a 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 6.1seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph or 250 km/h.

Standard features on the UK-spec model include Bluetooth technology, a surround-sound BOSE premium audio system with 10 speakers, plus steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front bucket sports seats, a new MID (multi information display) with a compact satellite navigation system that uses a high-resolution 11 cm (4.1 inch) screen mounted in the dashboard's upper section and automatic dual zone climate control air conditioning.