Owner review: How to have a Secret Lover and keep the wife happy! My 2011 Mazda 3 MPS

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Basic information of my car:

2011 Mazda 3 MPS

Reasons why I bought this car

The first reason why I decided to get this car is that it is rare. Bermaz Malaysia only brought 100 units to be sold as CBU in Malaysia circa 2011 to 2013. Trying to get a new one was not easy as the limited models brought it was sold out pretty quickly. Trying to be different in a sea of cars in Malaysia today, the Mazda 3 MPS will standout more as it not easily spotted daily.

Furthermore, with the original MSRP of RM175k, this car certainly had my attention since launch as the price undercuts most of the performance hatchbacks on offer during that time which includes the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Renault Megane RS. All the examples were selling for above RM200k at their time of launch, which makes the Mazda 3 MPS the bargain of the group. 

The second reason for getting the Mazda 3 MPS is the sheer raw power that the car offers. From factory, it boast a 2.3L MZR DISI turbocharged 4 cylinder engine which outputs 256HP and 380NM of torque. In comparison, the other performance hatchbacks don’t even come close in raw torque output, which is very useful on lower speeds.

It was also infamous for its torque steer where the steering will steer left to right under hard acceleration. Although this Mazda 3 MPS is the second generation, the torque steer had been cut down a lot thanks to the factory fitted mechanical LSD that tamed down the power. Torque steer is still evident but now more manageable. It is whole loads of fun too when there is wide empty road right in front of you.

The third reason would be because it was a manual. Manual cars are getting more scarce as the day goes by. Manufacturers all had went for the masses and cut back on manual cars from their line up. Hence, I’ve also decided I had better get a manual car which its still available and while I’m still able to drive one. Nothing beats driving a stick as you can feel the car working in tandem with your input from all 4 limbs of your body.

The final reason why I’ve went for this car is that although this car is limited in numbers, but it shares a lot of parts with the Mazda 3 GL which was sold alongside it as CKD. Also, parts can be found shared with Ford Focus as well, as they share same engine components and gearbox. As in owning a 10 year old car, you will need to think about availability of parts. Having parts easily available will cut the headache down a lot for the ownership of any car.

Car Selection Process

I had a budget of RM70k – RM80k

Models that I’ve considered included to Volkswagen Golf GTI MK6, Renault Megane RS, Peugeot 208 GTI, Subaru WRX STI Ver.8.

Reasons why I chose this car

It fits the budget and its is the most budget friendly to maintain among all the choices I’ve listed. Continental cars always had a stigma of being expensive to maintain and even more expensive to repair. Going Japanese will guarantee reliability in a long run and parts availability is always a plus point.

I’ve always loved a sporty performance hatch back. The Mazda 3 MPS ticked all the boxes that I was looking for. A manual? Check. A turbo engine? Check. A fun car? Check. Can seat 4? Check. Unique? Check. A sleeper? Definitely a check.

User experience

I've already done 3000km since I got my car. My average fuel consumption is approximately 9KM/L.

I've loved it. Despite it being a 10 year old car, it had lived up to my expectation of being a fun, enjoyable car. Need to bear in mind that it is a 10 year old car. Things need to be repaired or replaced is part of the ownership experience. You cannot run from the responsibility of maintaining it to the best condition so that you can enjoy it properly every day and any time.

I had never regretted getting this car after I’ve failed to do so 10 years ago when it was still new. Since the price is reasonable and more affordable now, best to jump the gun and enjoy it while I still can.

Pros of my car:

• Its torque is very accessible and very quick to the response.
• Overtaking is a breeze when having that much torque on point
• Being a Japanese made car, its build quality is good and expected to last
• With only 100 units in Malaysia, you are bound to get looks when driving it around

Cons of my car:

• Super thirsty when your right foot doesn’t learn to self control.
• Tyre replacement also not easy to find for 225/40/18 series.
• You will get a lot of unwanted attention when you are not expecting it

Ratings: 

Total Score: 4

Performance: 5

Quality & Features: 4

Space: 4

Ride Comfort: 3

Fuel Economy: 3

Price & Cost: 4

Summary :

I do not regret getting this car at all. If I were to turn back time 10 years ago, I would convince my younger self to strive for the new CBU model when it first launched in Malaysia. But being able to own it and being able to drive it daily, I’m thankful for the opportunity to do so. The Mazda 3 MPS is certainly one of the most, if not the most, under rated car which you can get your hands on. This car is a pocket rocket all packaged in a nice neat little sports hatchback.

Interesting event

When I was looking for a manual car to replace my 10-year-old Mazda 3 BL, I happened to chance upon a friend and were discussing about cars. Until we reached the topic where he knew I was looking for a manual car and the first car that came out of my lips were the Mazda 3 MPS, he told me he had a friend selling off his. So, he became our middle man and managed to come to a deal with the car. All these while I’ve never spoken nor met the seller of the car.

When the day I’ve put down payment for the car, I’ve noticed on my Facebook feed a mutual friend of mine post the exact picture of the Mazda 3 MPS which I had just put down payment for, and he was saying goodbye to it. It is such a small world where I totally didn’t expect that my circle of friends will come a complete circle. It also gave me a boost of confidence that the car was under good care previously. It was this Mazda 3 MPS that managed to tie us a bit closer and foster this friendship even more.

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