PDF of full test attached

042-043 BNZ 0212 05/01/2012 15:08 Page 42
ROAD TEST – BBR MAZDA3 MPS 320
W
hen you think of hot
Mazdas, it’s generally the
RX-7, RX-8 or, at a push,
the MX-5 that springs to
mind. But there is another
duo of models out there
that has largely escaped attention – the
Mazda3 MPS (Mk1 and Mk2), and the Mazda6
MPS. Both come with the powerful 256bhp
turbocharged 2.3-litre DISI four-pot, powering
either the front wheels (3 MPS) or all four (6
MPS) via a computer-controlled torque split
setup. These cars have always offered serious
bang per buck but thanks to serial Mazda tuner
BBR they look set to hit the big time with a
choice of three tuning upgrades headlining at
290bhp, 320bhp and a sensational 350+bhp.
Stage one costs £595 and is essentially an
ECU remap via BBR’s StarChip software.
Analysis of the standard mapping showed that
huge improvements could be effected to the
air/fuel ratios, which in some instances were
pouring in so much fuel that the AFR was
down to 9:1. In doing so, and while
simultaneously tightening up the throttle and
turbo boost maps, the engine is not only
considerably smoother but more powerful and
economical too. Peak power rises to 290bhp
at 5200rpm and torque is up from 280 to
330lb ft at 4150rpm. Interestingly, the torquelimiting factors applied to first and second
CALLING ALL MPS OWNERS: BBR NOW
PRODUCES A THREE-STAGE TUNING PACKAGE
FOR THE 2.3-LITRE DISI. WE TRY THE MIDRANGE 320BHP SETUP IN A MAZDA3 MPS.
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042-043 BNZ 0212 05/01/2012 15:08 Page 43
gear on the Mazda3 have been halved.
Stage two costs £1645 (plus £395 fitting)
and concentrates on improving fuel pressure
and removing constrictions within the engine
breathing apparatus, which then allows
maximum power to be safely extracted from
the standard turbo. First of all, the original
fuel pump (the engine-driven pump for the
injection system rather than the in-tank lifter)
is rebuilt with uprated internals so it can flow
sufficient quantities of liquid without a dropoff in pressure. A free-flowing panel filter is
fitted within the standard air box, leading to a
turbo inlet hose that is exchanged for a
silicone item that can withstand higher boost
pressure without deforming. The turbo
downpipe is replaced with a stainless steel
version 75mm in diameter, which also
includes a single sports catalyst that replaces
the original pre-cat and main catalyst.
Once again, StarChip software is used to
map the engine for this new spec, which
produces a dyno-proven peak output of
318bhp at 6580rpm and 370lb ft at 3800rpm
(over 340lb ft available from 3100-4900rpm).
A little extra is likely to be released through
the inclusion of a full stainless steel cat-back
exhaust, a £495 option fitted to this car.
The particulars for stage three are laid but
the cost is yet to be finalised. However,
expect it to cost around £1400 on top of that
already paid for the stage two package. This
buys some pretty serious upgrades,
including a front- rather than top-mounted
intercooler and a choice of either 350 or
400bhp outputs – the difference based on
the owner’s decision to opt for either a fully
overhauled OE turbo elevated to motorsport
spec, or a hybrid Garrett GT28 blower. The
latter offers a stronger top-end, though the
drawback to its larger compressor wheel is a
spool-up time around 250rpm later.
In concert with these power upgrades, BBR
has also released two new suspension setups.
The first is a shorter spring set and geometry
tweak that softens the standard rate for
improved compliance while increasing
negative camber on the front-end to improve
turn-in feel. The second adds BBR-spec Koni
dampers to increase overall body control.
How does the stage two ‘320’ package
feel in practice in the Mazda3 MPS and when
allied to BBR’s spring and geometry setup?
Well, it’s certainly ballistic, and the extra
torque coursing through the front wheels
from standstill makes control of the helm a
two-handed operation. But unlike other frontwheel drive cars with big power, it never
reaches a stage where you feel like you’re
conducting a wrestling match. It remains
possible to manhandle the car to some quite
ridiculous speeds across country, the front
end feeling much more eager to turn in than
previously (it can even be encouraged into
some lift-off oversteer). And though the
spring-only suspension felt superb on a
cruise we think it degenerates into an overly
floaty ride on challenging B-roads.
What really impressed in our drive,
however, was the engine’s flexibility.
Roundabouts that would normally be taken
in second are now best tackled one gear
higher, and as long as there is 2500rpm
showing on the dial thrust is unrelenting and
jet-like all the way to the redline. The DISI
isn’t known for displaying much of an aural
personality but there’s now a smidgen of
bass line burble coming from the back end
and an exciting but very unusual buzzing
whirr coming from the turbo.
Adding BBR’s mid-range tuning package
to the affordable cost of a secondhand
Mazda3 produces straight line performance
that will seriously worry an Evo or STI. It
doesn’t feel as all-conquering across country
but its delivery is manageable and the power
easy to exploit. Overall this tuned MPS is a
sophisticated machine with continentcrushing cruising ability, if not accompanied
by the last percentile of driver involvement
CONTACT:
BBR (01280 700700 or www.bbrgti.com)
If you think the
dyno graphs for
stages one and two
look impressive, wait
until you see
stage three!
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