Mazda plots performance MPS brand revival

Mazda’s high-performance MPS brand remains on hold as the company evaluates exactly what sort of models it wants to launch under it.

Speaking to Autocar at the launch of the new Mazda 2, the car’s chief engineer, Ayumu Doi, revealed that MPS was a brand Mazda was “always investigating” as it tried to establish how the performance arm would work under Mazda's new Skyactiv technology banner.

Doi said MPS was “not dead” and the firm was evaluating how it could further extend its ‘fun to drive’ mantra with a new MPS performance model, of which the 2 was one likely candidate for the treatment.

The firm has yet to establish exactly what an MPS model will be under the Skyactiv range of cars. The firm could opt for purely more powerful models or models that place an emphasis on improved driveability like the Suzuki Swift Sport, or a combination of both like the Ford Fiesta ST.

Whatever the outcome of the research, Doi revealed that any future Mazda MPS model would use uprated versions of existing Skyactiv componentry rather than any bespoke parts.

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