Yeah, nobody (but Saab? ) is dumb enough to put so much torque and power through only the front wheels.

Not to mention the marketing no-no it would be to have the smaller, cheaper car perform that much better (initial traction problems aside) than the larger, more expensive and more up-range car. I'm just wondering why they didn't develop the 2.0 engine into a turbo version. Now it's going to be blatantly obvious that they've detuned it from the Mazda 6 MPS's engine, assuming it doesn't get the full berries.

Anyhow, that 'FWD' part means that it's not really going to be a Golf R32/R36 competitor so much as a competitor for the Focus ST/Astra VRX/Golf GTI/Megane Sport Trophy or whatever they're called.

Nevertheless, I'm actually more keen on seeing the results of the expected facelift to the entire Mazda 3 range; since the existing SP23 would be fine, or even a 2.0L version, which is the base engine here. I want at least a 5-speed auto, more effective sound deadening, and better upholstery (the previous efforts were ghastly). If elements of the MPS's facia spreads to the rest, I'll be really stoked.