Looks like Mazda 3 MPS it is, just need to find one locally with the right spec, miles and price. My Ocy will be up for sale shortly.

Hi Mike.

I am sure that you have thought of it already but there is lots of info & some real knowledge over on:

www.mpsowners.co.uk

Choose carefully and I am sure you will be happy. The Mk 1 looks particularly nice in the bluey/grey colour..... The aero kit has upgraded springs...would that be ok for your passenger....?

ST has an extremely heavy clutch. Take it for a test drive first.

In my dim and distant past I used to take customers for test drives at a well known North West car supermarket. I used to hate the ST as I could not drive the car smoothly (and I drive dervs with heavy duty clutches)

NPS is a good car but Golf GTI Is by far the best for every day use. That said if you are bored by the VRS you may be bored by the Golf

Hi Mike.

I am sure that you have thought of it already but there is lots of info & some real knowledge over on:

www.mpsowners.co.uk

Choose carefully and I am sure you will be happy. The Mk 1 looks particularly nice in the bluey/grey colour..... The aero kit has upgraded springs...would that be ok for your passenger....?

Yeah I've had look over there. It will be either a 3 or a 6 mps for sure, if it's the 3 then the aero kit is a must.

JMK2, the clutches on both of my cars weren't that heavy - the M3 was massively heavier which is why I didn't have it for too long, smashed my leg up and knew it would be some time before I could drive it.