You can now buy a Mazda hot hatch online.
It's started with the Mazda3 MPS, which it describes as "the fastest, best handling, best braking model in the Mazda3 range". . On the site you can choose between a standard Mazda3 MPS or the Sports Aero Kit version and go on to specify a preferred colour. The site indicates the anticipated delivery date for each model and you get a confirmation email acknowledging your order.
The site also asks buyers to select their preferred Mazda dealer from a list of three nearest to their location. This is presumably to keep the sales channel sweet and ensures that they retain their cut. And the dealers haven't been cut out completely. You'll also need to make a visit to the chosen dealer to place a deposit on the new car and arrange part-exchange and finance.
Mazda describes the MPS as Priced from £18,995 on the road, Mazda reckoned the hatch occupies a similar space in the hatch market as do the Mazda6 MPS, RX-8 PZ special edition and the MX-5 in theirs.
Powered by a 2.3-litre 256bhp four-pot motor with 280lb-ft of torque that propels the car to 60mph from rest in a respectable 6.1 seconds, it's going head-to-head with the likes of the Vauxhall Astra VXR, Renault Megane RenaultSport 225, and the Honda Civic Type-R.
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