The Mazda3 MPS that made it first appearance in South Africa two years ago is back in an updated guise.

It is a sportier and more aggressive incarnation of the five-door, hot hatch, with a lowered air intake fog lights framing a metallic-black grille. A scoop on the bonnet delivers a generous wedge of air to the intercooler and the wheel arches and front skirt front have been flared to frame wider tyres.

At the rear is colour-matched valance with a metallic black grille and a larger, roof-mounted rear wing.

Black is the cabin's keynote colour and highlights are added in red stitching.

Mazda says the instrument cluster has been changed so that it is now "closer to the driver's field of vision and focal point" and a turbo-boost gauge is located between the dials.

The engine remains the same: a 2.3-litre, turbocharged block that puts out 190kW at 5500rpm and 380Nm of torque at 3000rpm. Mazda says it best: "With no need to increase power, the development team focused on harnessing that power more effectively".

Innovations for more effective power use include the intercooler scoop to improve engine efficiency and a revised system that reduces torque steer by adjusting torque output based on gear position and steering angle.

Thicker sheet metal has been placed in high-stress areas and extensive use has been made of weld bonding ? a technique that combined conventional spot welds with structural adhesives ? to make the body stiffer and less prone to twisting and wear.

Mazda replaced the steering system hydraulic pump with an electric motor to reduce the power drain on the engine and eliminate heavy steering at low speeds.

Mazda says the MPS is "a sports compact that delivers maximum driving pleasure through outstanding performance and superior chassis performance, and it's able to tow 600kg, a feat rarely found in its competitive set".

Page two - Specs and pricing