Opinions on Mazda 3 MPS

I looked at these too.  The main reasons I didn't get one were due to the fact that they have a smallish boot and you can't get three children in the rear very easily.  Other than that I thought they were a lot of car for the money and have the kind of pace I like in a daily driver. 

As for the torque steer - bah!  The Top Gear review of the Mazda 6 that's already been mentioned featured an earlier version of my car and it was slated for catastrophic understeer.  I guess it might do what Mr Clarkson demonstrated but then again if you drive like a knob, turn off the traction control and pull the fuse for the active dampers then yes, it won't handle as delicately as an Elise. 

From the reading I did on the 3MPS it was apparent that it may not be the finest handling car in the world but as a daily driver they are great.  I know someone locally who's running close to 400bhp in his and he's still alive, so the torque steer can't be that bad.

Plus, it's good to see someone buying a car because they want it rather than because it is a financially sound idea or gives great mpg.  Good on yer!