Following the positive...

Following the positive feedback received after the MX Sportif concept debuted at 2003"s Geneva Motor Show, the project to inject some performance sparkle into the family hatch has been given the green light. Although this prototype has very few visual modifications, the production version will feature a more striking bodykit, while still offering greater subtlety than some rivals.

However, the performance will be far less muted, with engineers squeezing a 2.3-litre turbocharged unit under the bonnet. An exact power output has yet to be announced, but up to 220bhp is expected to be fed to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Developed alongside the Focus ST, which shares the same basic structure as the Mazda, the car should deliver impressive handling and help bring the hatch to the attention of performance enthusiasts. The bigger 6 MPS goes on sale in September, and the hot 3 will be unveiled at the Frankfurt expo in the same month, with the first UK-spec cars arriving here before the end of 2005.