ZEEROLLA

Something i grabbed off the net on the "Mazdaspeed Axela" what they call our Mazda3 MPS in Japan and "Mazdaspeed3" in the USA. i think this car is awesome, i love it :) Meets my criteria of a "hot hatch" ;) Double Dose of Zoom-Zoom Geneva 2006 sees the global premiere of the flagship of the Mazda3 range, the all-new Mazda3 MPS, which gives sports-minded customers the chance for a double dose of Zoom-Zoom driving fun (the car is called Mazdaspeed3 in North America and Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan). With its compact, lightweight body and maximum power of more than 184 kW/250 PS* generat­ed by an MZR 2.3L DISI** Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS is one of the highest perfor­mance sports compacts with front-wheel drive (FWD) on the road today. Developed under the key concept of "a dynamic sporty compact that exceeds your expectations," Mazda3 debuted in summer 2003 and has gone on to enjoy enormous popularity among customers worldwide. Selected as the 2004 European Car of the Year runner-up and winner of ca. 60 prestigious awards from coun­tries around the world, Mazda3 is clearly recog­nized as one of the leading cars in the compact segment. This remarkable level of recognition boosted sales in Europe, North America and Australia. Since launch, it has become Mazda’s best-selling model globally with over 750,000 units produced in just 30 months and has sustained Mazda's growth during this period. “Mazda3 MPS, which is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, dramatically reinforces the acclaimed dynamics of the origi­nal Mazda3 and delivers maximum driving pleasure through outstanding performance and a superior chassis,” said Tatsuo Maeda, Programme Manager for development of the Mazda3 series. “To create this new benchmark, we looked to embody the following three requirements: Driving Fun: Formidable performance from the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine, along with sharply responsive handling achieved by capitalizing on the characteristics of the compact, lightweight body. Ownership Delight: Exterior styling that gives an immediate impression of driving fun, and an interior with a quality feel that exceeds expectations. Everyday, User-Friendly Convenience: An exceptional balance of driving pleasure with everyday functionality and comfort.” As a result, the flagship of the Mazda3 range features a stylishly sophisticated look combined with performance levels that make it one of the fastest sports compacts with a FWD layout. Mazda3 MPS offers truly exhilarating accelera­tion from a standing start, superior passing acceleration in the practical speed range and one of the highest top speeds in its class. Mazda3 MPS is the second vehicle in the Mazda Performance Series, following the Mazda6 MPS launched in Europe two months ago. This high-performance sedan is equipped with the same MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine as the Mazda3 MPS, and incorporates a 4WD system and has a GT character with the accent on a feeling of stability. In contrast, the Mazda3 MPS uses a FWD layout to maximize the inherent agile handling characteristics of its lightweight and compact body. In addition, the FWD configuration permitted more affordable pricing, allowing Mazda the opportunity of offering Zoom-Zoom to a wider audience in an extremely fun-to-drive package. MPS Design DNA – the Harmony of Refinement and Sensuality Mazda3 MPS styling pursues a look of strength and solidity in a design that conveys the car's unmatched dynamic performance at a glance. Its form is characterized by boldly flared front fenders, and effective use of strong edges on the bonnet and other elements. These combine with the functional forms of the bumpers, spoil­ers and other parts developed for outstanding aerodynamic performance, to make a radical Zoom-Zoom statement in an FWD sports compact. Overall, Mazda3 MPS’s design is sporty and strong, befitting a high-performance model, without exaggerated styling cues. Instead, the focus is on creating a refined presence, which owners can take pride in. This approach is an important facet of MPS design DNA, also adopted for the Mazda6 MPS. Exterior Design The integrated form of the 5-door hatchback of the base model was the starting point for the individualistic statement Mazda3 MPS makes about the Zoom-Zoom spirit. Although it has the athletic form of a high-performance model, it also realizes a refined, supple look calculated to appeal to the aesthetic sensibility of the more mature driver. Its front fenders are 20 mm wider than on the base model to provide clear­ance for the large tyres and to evoke a well-planted stance. And to forge a uniform identity for the MPS series, two design elements are shared with the Mazda6 MPS: strong press lines flowing back along the bonnet from the upper part of the five-point grille used as the air intake for the intercooler, and the aerody­namically shaped front bumper and large lower grille serving as the air intake for the radiator. Additionally, the "floating image" angular fog lamps used here for the first time communicate the vehicle's unique personality. An athletic yet elegant side view is created by aerodynamic side skirts and 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminium alloy wheels. The rear view is characterized by the design of the rear bumper, which suggests stable road hold, the tailpipe with a large diameter (95 mm) and the roof spoiler with integrated high-mounted LED brake lights. These items add up to a tautly defined rear design that is instantly recognizable as the Mazda3 MPS to other drivers who see it pass. Interior Design A high quality black sets the tone of the interior, accented by red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and the six-speed manual transmission shift knob to create a sporty yet refined ambience – the hallmark of a Mazda MPS model. The instrument panel includes a matte black decorative insert panel finished with a hairline treatment to underscore the vehicle’s aggressively modern personality. A leather wrapped shift knob, aluminium pedals and stainless steel scuff plates further contrib­ute to the sporty, high quality ambience that distinguishes MPS models, while semi-bucket front seats provide firm support to match the uniquely sporty performance of the Mazda3 MPS. Additionally, the instrument panel houses a blackout type speedometer (scaled to 280 km/h) in the centre position and the front seats bear the MPS logo on the seatbacks, a casual reminder that this is the highest performance model in the Mazda3 line up. Euro Stage IV Emissions Combined with Formidable Power and Agile Handling Mazda3 MPS is equipped with a 2.3-litre petrol direct injection turbo engine (MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo) that is Euro Stage IV compliant while generating formidable maximum power of more than 184 kW/250 PS at 5,500 rpm* and maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Installed in a lightweight and compact body, the engine propels Mazda3 MPS to a top speed of 250 km/h, and from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. These figures make the Mazda3 MPS one of the most powerful sports compacts with a FWD layout. To handle this level of performance, torque characteristics are carefully controlled to improve driveability. The body, suspension and brakes are specially tuned as part of the vehicle’s all-round optimization. The result is outstanding performance and agile handling that deliver high levels of driving pleasure. Since this kind of driving can only normally be experienced in a pure sports car, Mazda3 MPS far exceeds driver expectations. MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo Engine In addition to delivering a high-performance Zoom-Zoom driving experience, the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine also exhibits good environ­mental compatibility with low fuel consumption and Euro Stage IV emissions. This powerplant is a direct-injection turbocharged unit devel­oped by Mazda to achieve three aspects of performance that are difficult to realize with conventional manifold injection engines: good fuel-economy and low exhaust gas emissions, powerful acceleration thanks to the turbocharg­er, and a full and flat torque curve throughout the rev range for exceptional engine response. Mazda’s MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo injects fuel into the cylinders at pressures as high as 11.5 MPa, which cools the combustion chambers (internal cooling effect) through latent heat of vaporization, thereby improving the charging efficiency. This can increase torque by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm compared to a conventional manifold injection type turbo engine, making powerful, easy-to-control torque available across a wide range of engine speeds. This high power flat torque curve is attained by the use of a fixed geometry turbo­charger. The internal cooling effect within the combus­tion chamber increases the cylinder charge volume under initial acceleration and hence the exhaust-gas flow, causing a linear increase in rotation speed of the turbocharger's compressor wheel. As a result, the turbocharger provides boost effect soon after the accelerator is pressed– at around 2,500 rpm – assuring excellent response at low to mid-engine speeds. High-pressure direct injection of fuel into the cylinder also results in an optimized air-fuel mixture forming in the vicinity of the spark plug, reducing the risk of misfire. This allows earlier ignition, making it easy to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas. Moreover, use of a lightweight, fixed geometry turbocharger dramatically reduces the thermal capacity of the exhaust system, minimizing the loss in temperature of exhaust gas. As a result, the catalytic converter reaches its activation temperature faster after the engine is started. These advantages enable Mazda3 MPS to meet Euro Stage IV emissions regulations. Because the internal cooling effect within the combustion chamber reduces knocking tendencies and boosts fuel economy without sacrificing low-end torque, the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine has a relatively high compres­sion ratio for a turbo engine of 9.5:1 which contributes to improved fuel economy. The form and materials used for the respective engine components are optimized to bear the added load and heat of the increased output. The cylinder block and cylinder head are optimally shaped to increase their strength. In addition, cross drilling between the block liners and between the valve bridges on the cylinder head improves cooling performance. All moving parts have been made stronger and more rigid. The crankshaft is made of steel, and the diameter of the crank pins is increased. Connecting rods are also made of steel, and the shape of the rods is optimized. Full-floating pistons are used with increased-diameter pins. The shape of the radiator fan blades has also been optimized, the capacity of the electric fan motor increased and a flap function added to the fan shroud controls the adequate airflow to the radiator. These mea­sures greatly improve the radiator's cooling performance at all engine speeds. For Mazda3 MPS, the development team fine-tuned both the engine and exhaust system to produce a sporty sound that enhances driving pleasure. Tuning of the exhaust system focused on sounds in the low frequency range, while tuning of engine sound focused on the mid frequency range produced at high engine speeds to deliver an enjoyably sporty sound. A powerful exhaust note is hit the moment the engine is started, and a pleasurable sound sustained in sync with accelerator pedal input as the car gains speed. High-level Torque Management A wide range of optimizations give this high-power, high-torque FWD vehicle greater ease of use with more comfortable driveability and handling. volume and boost pressure control suppress sudden torque peaks, assuring smooth, linear torque delivery. Additionally, torque characteristics from first through fourth gears are optimized to deliver appro­priate drive power from take off. Torque control is also linked to the steering angle, and the stiff­ness of the left and right drive shafts is balanced with the angles optimized to control torque steer. A newly-developed limited slip differ­ential is also adopted to provide ample torque to the inner wheel during hard cornering for smooth, predictable driving in the curve. Six-Speed Manual Transmission The new Mazda3 MPS employs the six-speed manual transmission introduced with the Mazda6 MPS that provides the driver with the pleasure of having full control over the vehicle’s high power, while contributing to a quiet ride and better fuel economy. A compact three-shaft design made it possible to keep the over­all length the same as for the five-speed manual transmission used in the base model. In addi­tion, Mazda3 MPS’s six-speed transmission uses wide gear ratios to fully exploit the wide torque band of the direct-injection turbo­charged engine. The transmission’s high-ratio sixth gear contributes to a quieter ride and improves fuel economy during high-speed cruising. Triple-cone synchronizers for first through third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear assure ample sync capacity to enable a short, clean-action shift stroke and comfortable shift feel. High Body Rigidity and Specially Tuned Chassis Like the Mazda3 facelift, the new Mazda3 MPS features a body with greater rigidity than the original model. The MPS version is based on the Mazda3 5-door hatchback, with local rein­forcements added to realize a body sufficiently stiff and robust to stand up to the extra demands of sporty driving. Suspension and brakes have also been specially tuned for the MPS. These improvements assure a body and chassis capa­ble of easily handling the extremely high power delivered by the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine. Body rigidity has been increased by several features, including a reinforced front cowl member that is joined directly to a plate in the top section of the front damper mount, assuring the same rigidity as a car fitted with strut tower bars. This prevents deformation of the front suspension towers and maintains correct suspension geometry. In the lower body, a large closed section member is employed to rein­force the floor tunnel which improves the torsional rigidity of whole body. At the rear, the gusset introduced at the bottom end of the rear suspension towers restrains the tendency of the towers to displace inwards which maintains the correct suspension geometry in the rear. Specially Tuned Suspension gives 60 Percent Improvement in Roll Stiffness Special suspension tuning was conducted to support the high power output of Mazda3 MPS’s engine. Both the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension have higher coil spring rates and larger diameter stabilizer bars than the Mazda3 face­lift. Dampers also have a higher damping force on the MPS. Damping force on both jounce and rebound is approximately 6 times better at low piston speed, and about 1.3 times better at moderate piston speed. Combined with the reinforced coil springs and stabilizer bars, this produces 60 percent more roll stiffness than the Mazda3 facelift. Aerodynamics Engineered for Speeds of up to 250 km/h With its exceptional performance, Mazda3 MPS demands exceptional aerodynamics. Special attention was paid to reducing drag to enable a top speed of 250 km/h*, and to achieving aerodynamic performance that supports stable straight running, lane changing and overtaking manoeuvres at high speeds. A wide variety of underfloor parts were employed, to achieve the superior aerodynamic performance targets (Cd=0.31). Focus on Safety – Upgraded Brake System to Match the High Power The starting point for Mazda3 MPS safety package was to preserve the accurate, predict­able handling of the original Mazda3. Large diameter 4-wheel disc brakes, ventilated 320 mm discs at front and solid 280 mm discs at rear, a 8+9-inch tandem brake booster and a large 1-inch diameter master cylinder yield powerful and stable braking. Standard equip­ment includes 4W-ABS, emergency brake assist, and dynamic stability control (DSC), all of which provide active safety for the MPS in a range of driving scenarios. In addition, a rain-sensing wiper system and auto light system are also available (depending on market and grade) to give the driver a clear view of the road and help prevent accidents. For protection during collision from any direc­tion, Mazda3 MPS employs the unique Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System to deliver a robust and safe body structure. Inside the cabin, front dual airbags are fitted as standard, along with side and curtain airbags. A collapsible brake pedal and revised steering column structure reduce the risk of injury to the driver's lower legs, while a seat belt reminder system, which confirms whether seatbelts are buckled or not, is also included to support the safety of the front and rear occupants. Mazda3 MPS

i just got answers, all on the Mazda website! weighs ONLY 1400kg! Sports pack adds 15kg, no wonder it is 0.5sec quicker to 100km/h vs MPS6. It comes with cruise control!! The XR5 doesn't! It even comes with LED rear brake lights!! It also has tripple cone synchros in 1st-2nd-3rd, and double synchros in 4th gear. An LSD, drive-by-wire throttle, 320mm front brakes and 280mm rears, 60% increase in roll stiffness with front strut tower bar, stiffer springs/shocks, smaller turning circle than the XR5, drinks 95RON instead of 98RON minimum, 10litre/100km fuel economy.. The specs and equipment levels are just amazing for a $39,990 car. Man i am getting a test drive!

Ford = Mazda?? But i would buy a Mazda anyday :D I personally think the Mazda3 is styled better than the Ford Focus. What are the specs/equipment levels really like? Any cruise control and how much does this car weigh? I think this just got added to my new car list. would make a great day to day drive. But then at 40g there is the oh so common WRX. What is happening to Toyota and Honda?? They should have something out in response to Mazda soon i believe. I think the biggest thing about the 3MPS is not the 190kw power, its the torque which is DOUBLE the power figure, 380nm is more than the EVO 9's 355nm and just 15nm shy of the 2.5liter WRX STI! Thats some serious grunt! I will be really interested to see the drivers' impressions on this thing when you try and floor it driving out a bend. Tyre bills might be quite high. But man this car has potential to cream any new generation V8 in rolling start or in-gear acceleration.

haha good stuff man, instant 40kw power up with those bling wheels! :D :P

its sickening whoever started this Big Brother thing in the first place, who the hell cares about what a bunch of star-craze teenagers get up to in a house?? they should get a bloody life and get themselves a bloody job or do somethng to show their worth. they are a bad act for younger people and Big Brother is a total waste of resources, it should be shut down Its sad to see all the news on "improper" or "inappropriate sexual conduct" going on in the house and its not just the guys, everyone in that house should get a slap and a wakeup call. I don't care if its a publicity stunt or not, whoever did it or even thought up this idea should be locked up. Its demeaning and in some cases almost criminal. What are your thoughts on this? I am just of sick of it, not to mention it always pushes Formula 1 broadcasts back behind schedule :P

i think what rollamods said is quite true. For eg. a 1zzfe Corolla's best 1/4mile is 15.7s and we know some Stivos also ran mid 15s but their trapspeed are markedly different, with the 1zzfe Corollas around 140km/h while the Stivos are more than 10km/h faster at 150+km/h. Now 10km/h might not sem much but its a lot in real life comparison. But then again vehicle weight, gear ratios and other factors come into play as well. But comparing apples to apples i would say the trapspeed is a good measure.

Oh btw Neil i will gladly take the pic off my avatar if u want me too :D :P

Hi Neil!! :D sorry about your pic man, i was trying to do a bit of free publicity for your car man, and showing the guys the Stivo does live on the racetrack too! ;) Good work the car man, too bad i have sold my Stivo now, but the 2zzs are damn fantastic engines i have to agree.

US GP DRIVERS: Fernando Alonso Kimi Raikonen TEAM: Honda POLE: Fernando Alonso FASTEST LAP: Fernando Alonso

race is on at 2.45am! :(

i reckon a Stivo with semis, suspension and clutch/flywheel mods can do mid 14s all day long.. no need for engine mods, waste of money :P :P :P but like some others say the "Red Pipe" is a must have just to hear LIFT!

CTS03 - i think your concerns are "characteristics" of the 6 speed gearbox, not so much of a clucth issue. Maybe try changing the gearbox oil or something different like Redline oils.

Dylan i think to take it to Wakefield i need a K20A conversion otherwise its pretty pointless :P

thats would be interesting! u know the Jazz really surprised me! the chassis actually feels stiffer than the Corolla's, has a "tight" chassis feeling to it, no noise or squeaks or rattles anywhere even when its 3 years old and nearly 90,000kms behind it. It just needs less roll with bigger swaybars or someting and a maybe even a set of coilovers i reckon it would hold pretty good corner speeds! The stock sussy is very nice i like it already, so comfortable compared to the Stivo's :P and this Jazz has 15inch alloys with wider rubber which i say is almost a must have. The only thing is its 1.5 sohc vtec is no where near the 2zz in terms of torque or power :( and the electric power steering of Hondas need to improve, the steering is too light and a little "dull", there seems to be a "flat spot" in steering feel. Other than that i have not much complaints :D Dylan i think to take it to Wakefield i need a K20A conversion otherwise its pretty pointless :P

Thanks for all the kind comments guys :D All good things come to an end so to speak, and i pretty much had no choice but to sell my Stivo as i was racking up 4000kms a month on the Stivo. I just felt that it ain't really suited to my lifestyle anymore so i decided to sell it and buy over my sister's Jazz Vti ;) it was just the right moment as the Jazz was just collecting dust in her garage. I am not so sure about the 1500cc sohc Vtec's prowess guys :P maybe we can compare fuel economy instead.. or else wait for it, a K20A conversion might be on the agenda in a year or two In anycase i will always miss the Stivo and the awesome 2zz, the new owner will know about this forum for sure, my Stivo has our forum stickers front and rear :D B) I shall see yas all around, it really has been a great time :) Cheers, Zee

I have recently sold my Black 04' Corolla Sportivo with all mods attached to a new owner that will enjoy the car as much as i did when i had it. It has been a great time, i absolutely enjoyed the car even up till today when i hit LIFT its a ball. It's no doubt one of the best small capacity high revving N/A engines around and we all know that for a fact. I will miss it deeply, but my priorities lie somewhere else right now so the car needs to go. Meanwhile i have taken over my sister's little 03' Honda Jazz (7speed auto) which has 1500cc of sohc VTEC "power" :P it should be faster than a Sportivo right? :P never thought i would be driving an auto but i guess if it averages 5plus litres/100km of fuel i will take it. Will remain active on this forum so seeyas around ;) Cheers!

i thought Shao and Weiwei both proved that the Stivo is quicker than DC2Rs (141kw) and DC5Rs (147kw)and a few Civic Vti-Rs (+-118kw) a while ago, and then BanGn in his STOCK Stivo beat the Type S with muffler mod (154kw stock). It was after this run that BanGn put his mods on, that's what i read anyway. All these drag wins were after 3rd gear, i think Weiwei said the Hondas were surprised by the Stivo's 4th gear which i can vouch can even outdrag an RX8 and a MY05 WRX (stock) ;) This goes to show gear ratios are very important ;) and our 4th gear lands us smack bang on 7000rpm. FTOs with 2litre V6 MIVEC are quick when they are in good condition. They have a very good 1st gear but too tall 2nd gear and 3rd gear makes them slower compared to the DC2R, but only just. In Japan back when they were just released with the S14 Silvia, the FTO was even quicker then the Silvia around Tsukuba race track. They would be a low-mid 15s car if driven by a good driver and in good condition. And an Altezza has 215hp from what i know, so about 155kw :P not superfast in drags, quickest tested in 1999 when they were released in Japan was a 14.9??s 1/4mile, mostly 15s 1/4s. On the track it was beaten by the DC2R.

DRIVERS: Fernando Alonso Michael Schumacher TEAM: Honda POLE: Fernando Alonso FASTEST LAP: Fernando Alonso I think Honda with their new tech director and wind tunnel will allow them to win all the remaining races from now on including the Canadian GP :P :P

I paid $25/litre from Auto1 the last time i bought mine about a year ago, maybe the prices have gone up a little since. Wait till Supercheap have sales, u can get them cheap. :P We should only need approx 2.3litres of oil as per the car's manual, but Toyota "Used it" all up the last time i gave them 3 litres, i guess someone got thirsty.

Great times :) , the terminal speed still tells a lot about about the 2zz's top end (it's about the same as a stock WRX). I am guessing Dylan's 15.5 was from too much wheelspin? Maybe lightweighting the car didn't help tyre temps, but sure helped top end speed though. ;) then again as Dylan pointed out its the oil temp, no LIFT in 1st and still a 15.5! :P

Redline over $100 for 3 litres. Castrol Syntrax $75 for 3 litres. Redline is GL4, Castrol is GL5, Redline says GL4 is better for synchros than GL5 oils. I have had both oils (MT90 and Syntrax), Syntrax is good for track use, super smooth. MT90 is 75W90 as well, there is even GL6 oil by other manufacturers. As far as i know the Stivo uses 75W90 GL4 or GL5.

how much am i looking at for a new clutch? also, what are peoples opinions on front strut bars? i was looking at them on ebay, and they're cheap. except, u dont know much about them, but it states that i can take corners at higher speeds, so thats gotta be good:P Mine was replaced under warranty (After many trips to toyota). Your looking at around $450 fora original clutch from memory, and about the same to fit it. But that was 3 years ago. Ring toyota and ask. TYK7334HD for Exedy Heavy Duty Clutch kit (pay between $300-$400) TYK7334SC for Exedy Sports Ceramic kit (pay a bit more than the HD kit) Toyota wanted to charge me $600-$700 for labour (keep dreaming Toyota), get it done elsewhere for $300-$400. :)

Steve, its got the same engine so yes there is still LIFT. But LIFT is between 6000rpm and 8200rpm, the auto gearbox doesn't allow you to remain in LIFT since the ratios are noticeably wider than the 6 speed manual so the auto will be much slower and sluggish. Plus the 2zzge hasn't got much torque low in the rev range so it will be very frustrating to drive with an auto gearbox. Get a Hyundai Tiburon if your brother wants an auto sports coupe, its V6 so has plenty of torque to punt around or the Integra luxury model comes in auto too and has a 2litre engine.

is this done at Western? what did yous tell them? i am ringing them first thing Tuesday or any local mechanic that can book me in quick and knows how to "adjust a clutch" ;)

Its not as bad as it used to be really after the new clutch kit and recently the Redline oil helped too ;) now its a matter of just trying to stop Toyota from saying the clutch is bloody"hydraulic"!!! looks like only Western Toyota knows their stuff, the rest are all numbskulls that need to drive a Sportivo to know what we are talking about.