Well... some of you knew, some of you thought it was an octy... but after the RR day i thought it only fair to reveal the identity of my new vehicle:

Its a 2008.5my Mazda 3 MPS Aero. in Crystal white perl paint.

I collected it two weeks ago

My decision for getting this car was basically down to the fact that the way the world economy and fuel costs are going, its now or never to own one more brand-new and slighty mad car, but still with a bit of practicality so i can keep it for longer if i can

Its fully loaded with kit from the factory:

Xenons

auto lights and wipers

LED rear lights

sports seats

BOSE soundsystem with mp3 support and 6cd changer (as Steve and Chris can vouch... this sounds awesome!)

a speedo that goes up to 180mph

A trick-diff to help get the power down.

"dark style" wheels

Half leather-alcantera interior

Piano black trim

It has the same 2.3turbo engine in it that the 6 MPS had, although without the 4wd system but boooooyyyy does it shift!!!

the standard figures for it are 256bhp/280lb-ft

0-60: 6.1s

limited top speed of 155

but as proved at the RR day, mine has a few more ponies as i got 255bhp at the wheels!.

couldnt get flywheel and torque figures due to the RR not being able to get a RPM feed.

But the torque makes it a very very capable cruiser.. it gains speed at an incredible rate with little drama.

Im still getting used to the LSD.. trying to go into a corner faster than i should be then trusting the LSD to pull you out the other side takes time to perfect lol

Theres even a thread on DW about my car - few more pics on there..

Will update with more pics once ive cleaned it (again) today lol

Edit...

so much for not modding it.......

Cobb SR intake

Forge BOV

Edited 27 July, 200817 yr by Neo_VR

I looked at one of these a few weeks ago in black and was seriously tempted.

Very nice car with not such a steep price tag IMO

It was very, very nice!

Shame about it not being able to do a proper run :(

:drool::drool:

Stunning car. Hope it brings you lots of smiles.

There are only a few cars which look OK in white and IMHO this one doesn't :( :(

It looks STUNNING :) :) :)

Saw the thread on DW, didn't relise it was yours, looks very nice

Do they come with sump guards? :P. Nice car, how easy is it to remove the limiter?

Car looks good

Hmmmm..... looks good.

What sort of money are they if you don't mind me asking?

Do they come with sump guards? :P. Nice car, how easy is it to remove the limiter?

Old news

Lovely car Col, looked good parked next to the Battle Bus.

Do they really have 250+bhp!

Its really nice that Neo VR,especially in white,the new 'in'colour

I have seen this car in the flesh, and boy does it look understated. Other drivers are in for a suprise

Very nice car:thumbup:

Stunning motor Col, enjoy it buddy!

You know I have a soft spot for these... ho hum :(

Fantastic car.

And yes - as Col says it shifts.

Stunning interior, and the pearl white paint looked great in the sunshine today.

That is really smart

Looks great in white too.

I like

Crackin' car Colin, It has a menacing Stormtrooper look about it!

As you know Col, I had the big brother 6MPS and tried to trade in for a 3MPS but was appalled at the trade in value. I can honestly say that this is the car I should have bought, but didn't as I was into big saloons at the time. Don't get me wrong i love me MX-5 lots and lots and lots, but for practicality and smiles per mile, the 3MPS is the most underated hot hatch money can buy.

Cracking Col.

Love it.

When do we swap for this one then ?

Cracking Col.

Love it.

When do we swap for this one then ?

Will be a good few years yet i think

Well latest small mod, getting rid of the red-blob fog light to clean up the look at the back of the car..

Next step will be to get rid of the orange indicator bulbs (possibly go for LED items) and also get a LED bulb for the numberplate..

Before:

After:

Subtle, but effective!

Yes, small change for a big difference, much cleaner looking.