2006 Mazdaspeed Axela (European Spec)
 

Mazda3 MPS and Mazda Kabura to be Exhibited at the 2006 Geneva International Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan, February 13, 2006--Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the new high-performance Mazda3 MPS, as well as present the European debut of the Kabura concept vehicle, at the 76th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, 28 February through Sunday, 12 March 2006.

Joining them on the Mazda stand will be a Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept vehicle powered by a RENESIS rotary dual-fuel engine - that can use hydrogen or gasoline - and an electric motor, for both outstanding eco-friendliness and Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure.

The new, upgraded Mazda3 line up will be revealed at the Geneva Show as well.

Mazda will hold its press conference at the Mazda stand from 11:45 to 12:00 on Tuesday, 28 February 2006. Detailed information and photos will be made available at that time.

New Mazda3 MPS
The flagship of the Mazda3 range, the all-new Mazda3 MPS, will give sports-minded customers a double dose of Zoom-Zoom driving fun. Mazda3 MPS is the second model in the Mazda Performance Series, following the Mazda6 MPS launched in Europe a month ago. The car will be called Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, Mazdaspeed3 in North America and, in other key regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Mazda3 MPS.
Mazda looked to embody the three distinct attributes with the new vehicle: Driving Fun, Ownership Delight and Everyday User-Friendly Convenience. With its compact, lightweight body and substantial power generated by its 2.3L MZR DISI TURBO petrol engine, Mazda3 MPS is one of the most powerful high-performance sports compacts with front-wheel drive (FWD) on the road today.

The car's styling pursues a look of strength and solidity in a design that conveys its unmatched dynamic performance at a glance. Mazda3 MPS reflects Mazda's intention to continue delivering Zoom-Zoom in all its products.

Mazda Kabura
Mazda Kabura, which made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006, continues the Zoom-Zoom tradition of delivering exhilarating sports cars, while stretching the bounds of interior versatility in radical directions. Designed to appeal to young customers and to support their lifestyles, Mazda Kabura combines the look and feel of an exotic sports car with practicality and affordability, and indicates a possible direction Mazda could take with an exciting compact sports coupe in the future.

Unfortunately I have not seen AWD mentioned or seen a sedan version yet. From the story and pics it looks like it will be awesome.

I'd personally like to see a four door MPS, with dual exhaust, the LED taillights, GT package, and Mazda's Active Torque Split All Wheel Drive system. Time will tell.

And please Mazda, bring back the Carbon Gray Mica!!!

Would you guys like to see the 3MPS in 4door, 5door, or offered as both? What are your thoughts on the new look? It borrows many of the same design features from the 6MPS, including the hood bulge, front fascia, and wheels.

I would like to see a 4 door sedan. I am not a big "wagon" fan. I guess it was back in high school (1991/1992) when I had to drive the parents 1979 Olds Cutlass (brown) station wagon. Came out of school and had "party wagon" on the back window in shoe polish....I have an adversion to wagons since then. :nono:

i like the hood bulge but from what some owners are saying, it doesn't "cut the muster" for the top mounted intercooler. i'd prefer a hood scoop like in the early spy shots. other press releases have confirmed it is FWD and i'm sure that will be enough for this car to do well with. it doesnt look like it will change significantly from the pics above. there is talk in the forums of a sedan version coming out after the initial wagon but at this point it is wishful thinking.

i think it'll do well and offer a great alternative for those who want to have friends in the back seat (i'm looking at you civic Si), a nicer interior trim (you know who you are domestics), and well its not a neon! i hope they update the wheels, maybe some limited edition RH wheels again, to help make it stand out more, but overall i think it looks good. lets hope the performance is up to par.