Ultimate Mazda 3 set to turn up heat

Hatchbacks don’t come much hotter than this! Our spies caught this prototype testing at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany – and under the light disguise is a pumped-up MPS variant of Mazda’s all-new 3.

Confirmed for a Geneva Motor Show debut, the car promises all the power of its predecessor but with the sharper styling and improved quality of the next 3. It gets the same 256bhp 2.3-litre turbo as in the outgoing MPS – and power is still fed to the front wheels.

Extensive use of high-strength steels – this car should be lighter than its predecessor – boosts the performance further. And there will be no mistaking the range-topper: deeper bumpers, chunky side sills, twin exhausts, a gaping bonnet scoop and large spoiler will show its potential.

Prices will start from around £20,000 when the 3 MPS hits showrooms here later this year.