Mazda3 MPS vs. Audi S3

* Audi S3 , 2.0-litre FSI, 261 bhp, six speed manual( optional : seven speed S tonic twin-clutch)

* Mazda3 MPS, 2.3-litre, 260hp, 6-speed manual

Audi S3

Apart from the silver mirrors, a deeper front bumper and a rear diffuser, you would be hard-pressed to pick it out among a line of standard A3s. Even the 18-inch alloys blend in, with only the large S3-embossed brake calipers adding extra presence.

The interior is just as understated. The S3 logos pop up again: this time on the gearlever, steering wheel and rev counter. There are also heavily bolstered front seats and aluminium trim for the pedals, but that's about your lot for sporty extras. The cabin is, however, beautifully put together.
Once on the move, this is a very fast three-door. While it shares the VW Golf GTI's 2.0-litre FSI powerplant, the engine has been tuned to produce a thumping 261bhp. Performance is blistering - 0-62mph takes 5.7 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 155mph. Acceleration is strongest above 4,000rpm. Yet, the rest of the driving experience doesn't match up.

While the quattro drivetrain provides plenty of grip - especially when pulling out of slow corners - there is precious little involvement. This is due mainly to the steering, which is not only too light, but also lacks feedback.

This, combined with the Audi's firm suspension, makes it hard to keep the S3 on a consistent line through bends - constant correction is needed.

BMW's similarly priced 130i is far more rewarding and fun to drive. In day-to-day motoring, the S3 is safe and predictable - but it is not especially exciting. The Golf GTI offers far more for the keen driver to enjoy. There is little compensation in terms of comfort, either, with the S3's suspension struggling to cope with B-road bumps and undulations.

Mazda3 MPS

With 256bhp it was the most powerful front-wheel drive hatch you could buy, if not the best to drive or look at. Now it’s back with an aggressive restyle, plus a whopping extra…sorry, old habits and all that. No, it’s back with exactly the same 256bhp and 280lb ft torque, the same 155mph top speed and the same 6.1sec 0-62mph dash.
There’s revised power steering, sportier shocks and springs, a beefier bodyshell that ups torsional stiffness by 41%, while torque steer is better-quelled by clever electronics to modulate torque delivery, plus a limited slip diff and taller gearing.

Watching the old MPS whizz past was much like watching wallpaper paste dry on a wet winter Sunday – it was drab with a capital Zzz. The new car is far more eye-catching with pronounced bumpers, a chunky rear spoiler and sideskirts plus an Impreza-style bonnet scoop. In fact, it looks quite a lot like an Impreza – elegantly brutal from some angles, plain old gawky from others.

The 2.3-litre turbo four is tractable from very low revs, but the real thrust is delayed to 2600rpm, at which point you get a proper kick in the back. Post-5000rpm it’s a little breathless, but generally the ratios are well judged to land you back in the powerband.
On dry major roads you won’t be unduly troubled by torque steer, even if you do notice it’s there. But take to the back roads and the curse of powerful front drivers is ever-present as the MPS weaves and locks onto camber changes.