Mazda hatches Paris debut

MAZDA will unveil a red-hot Mazda6 hatchback at the Paris motor show in September as it continues the development of its MPS (Mazda Performance Series) range.

The MPS Mazda6 is expected to be powered by a turbocharged version of the new MZR four-cylinder engine and have all-wheel drive traction.

But unlike its obvious Subaru STi and Mitsubishi Ralliart competition, the MPS Mazda6 - at least in its Paris concept guise - is expected to be presented as a far more subtle go-fast machine.

Chief Mazda6 designer Iwao Koizumi is believed to be using the lightweight BMW M3 CSL as his inspiration for the MPS version.

The Mazda6 concept is the latest in a series of MPS models that have tested the high-performance waters for Mazda at various motor shows over the past few years.

It is expected to be the first to make it into production, but not until 2004 when the roll-out of the 6, the Mazda2 small car, RX-8 sports model and 323 replacement - expected to be called the Mazda3 - is completed late in 2003.

The MPS 6 - not necessarily its concept or production name - is expected to be followed by MPS versions of the 3 and the Millenia replacement, which will also be based on the new Mazda6 platform. Even the Tribute has been linked to an MPS version.

Mazda platform program manager Seiichi Omoto was cryptic about the performance potential of the MPS 6. "It can be as fast as you want it," he said.

The figures released for 2000's 626 MPS concept could be instructional, as Mazda is hardly likely to take a backward step from a superseded model. That car produced 206kW and 392Nm, with a claimed top speed of 250km/h and a 0-100km/h time of six seconds.

Mazda Australia managing director Malcolm Gough said he would have no hesitation importing the car to Australia.

"We are an aspirational organisation and any product that enhances that aspirational quality and gives us that opportunity to increase the brand image is something we would be delighted to have," he said.

* What chance the rebirth of the Mazda MX-6 two-door? Mazda6 chief designer Iwao Koizumi is known to be pushing for the re-creation of the model, using Mazda6 underpinnings.