Mazda 626 MPS: the prototype that declared war on the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru Impreza

The sport saloons, a segment that, unfortunately, has fallen on hard times due to the excessive invasion of sporty SUVs. However, this fabulous sector had a golden age in which brands such as Subaru and Mitsubishi rose to the challenge with the Evo and Impreza of the era, two vehicles that were used to homologate their respective rally versions. What few people know, however, is that Mazda came close to joining the party by way of the Mazda 626 MPS, which was going to become the most radical variant of the Japanese saloon.

It was the year 2000 when Mazda watched its compatriots achieve great feats in the world of competition. This helped boost sales and brand image, and offered race-derived vehicles with road registration for use on public roads; Mazda could not be left behind.

With this premise, the Japanese firm gave a strong response at the Geneva Motor Show that same year with the Mazda 626 MPS, the first car from the brand to carry those initials. Mazda never took part in rallies with a 626, nor did it intend to, but it did want to offer an alternative to those cars that were gaining so much prominence at the time.

In terms of styling, the design was already a clear statement of intent. The 626 MPS made use of a specific body kit consisting of a spoiler, widened wheel arches, specific bumpers and a striking dual central exhaust outlet. With all this, the Japanese brand managed to intimidate Mitsubishi as well as Subaru.

As far as mechanics are concerned, Mazda opted for a layout that had little or nothing in common with that of its main rivals. In the heart of the 626 MPS was a 2.5-litre turbocharged V6 capable of producing 280 CV and 390 Nm of torque. These figures were managed through a manual gearbox and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, allowing 0 to 100 to take less than 5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h, all with a weight slightly higher than the competition: 1,380 kilos.

However, Mazda did not enjoy a particularly dazzling reception from the public, and the imminent retirement of the 626 was the final incentive to discard the development of the MPS. Nevertheless, some time later its ideals were carried forward by the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 MPS, sporty variants that became its legacy.