Mazda takes its three most popular models to the extreme: a preview of the MPS versions?

Mazda showed three very radical versions of the MX-5, CX-5 and Mazda3 at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which make us wonder whether they are a preview of the MPS versions

The Tokyo Auto Salon closed its doors a few days ago and, although it was not an event packed with new releases, we did get to see some creations that were, to say the least, curious. Above all, it was the brands playing at home that got the atmosphere going the most, and some launches such as the recreation of the Honda S2000 2020 or the Subaru Levorg Prototype STI Sport really made our mouths water.

Mazda also wanted to join the party, so a few months after unveiling the Mazda 3 TCR, the competition version of its striking compact, it decided to put its three most popular models on display in Tokyo: the Mazda MX-5, Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-5.

The Japanese brand is in the middle of a process of evolution, which is why last year it also took the opportunity to fully enter the electric vehicle market with the new Mazda CX-30.

Three concepts very different from the production models

However, these were not units like the ones we are used to seeing; they were three concepts that borrowed elements directly from the brand’s competition department.

All three models were finished in the same colour combination, which is why the grey body colour stood out in contrast with the red accents on the lower part of the doors. The white circles on the sides, resembling competition race numbers, also stand out, although the number displayed refers to the model. To finish it off, the brand added the legend “Mazda Motorsports” on the rear doors.

The modifications are not just cosmetic: all three models fit a new sport suspension, a specific sport exhaust system and oversized brakes. In addition, the cabin features sport bucket seats with six-point harnesses and Alcantara throughout.

A preview of the upcoming Mazda MPS models?

Although the three models share much of their equipment, they also have specific elements:

On the Mazda MX-5, the iconic roadster from the Japanese brand, Rays 18-inch wheels fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres have been installed. There are also changes to its styling, with a new body kit that includes a spoiler, a roll bar to protect the cabin, and stabiliser bars to improve the rigidity of the whole.

On the Mazda3, the wheels are still Rays, although this time 18-inch fitted with the same tyres as its smaller sibling. Other elements have also been added, such as sport pedals.

Finally, the Mazda CX-5 uses the same wheels as the two previous models but, due to its larger dimensions, in this case they are 20 inches. It also features sport pedals and more premium-looking interior trim.

We don’t believe any of these three versions will go into production, although we can take this as a sign that the brand already has sport versions of its models in mind, so… Will we see MPS variants in its range again?

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

RoadsterMazda MX-513 versions · from 32,550 €

Off-RoadMazda CX-57 versions · from 35,200 €