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Spied! New Mazda3 hot-hatch imitates WRX

The hottest version of the next-generation Mazda3 has been spied testing at the Nurburgring.

Our secret photos reveal the new Mazda3 MPS will imitate Subaru's iconic WRX with a bonnet scoop and larger rear wing when it reaches local showrooms in the second half of 2009.

The bonnet scoop contributes to the new 3 MPS's more aggressive styling that responds to criticism that the original looked too subtle for a car boasting 190kW.

The ultimate Mazda3's new bonnet scoop, however, has also been introduced because the new-generation model's new, lower grille – seen in official pictures of the Mazda3 sedan – is not large or high enough to feed sufficient air to the MPS's top-mounted intercooler.

That intercooler sits atop a carried-over version of the current 3 MPS's 2.3-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder – though, as the spy pictures reveal, exhaust gases will exit via two single pipes this time rather than one.

Power and torque (380Nm) figures will remain barely unchanged, though fuel consumption (currently 10.0L/km) will be improved.

MPS

MPS

MPS

MPS

Mazda has worked on improving how the 3 MPS gets its power to the ground by finessing the 3 MPS's electronic limited-slip differential, as well as the torque-control measures used for first and second gears during take-off and cornering.

Inside word also has it that the new Mazda3 MPS is faster around the fabled Nurburgring than the outgoing model, which has already proved to be no slouch by lapping the 21km track in 8 minutes, 39 seconds.

Source: Drive