Mazda will showcase the world premiere of the new high-performance Mazda3 MPS at the 76th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, 28 February through Sunday, 12 March 2006. Mazda3 MPS is the second model in the Mazda Performance Series, following the Mazda6 MPS launched in Europe a month ago. The car will be called Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, Mazdaspeed3 in North America and, in other key regions including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Mazda3 MPS. It will feature a 2.3L MZR DISI Turbo engine with front-wheel drive (FWD). The car is also believed to be an indicator of the facelifted Mazda 3 range, which is likely to follow the introduction of this model.
