The MAZDA 3 (2004-09) 5DR HATCHBACK 2.3 260 MPS is a five-door family hatchback with the pace and character of a hot hatch. In the UK used-car market, it sits among performance alternatives to the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI, offering everyday practicality alongside serious acceleration. Its understated shape makes it less showy than some rivals, while the MPS badge signals its sporting focus. mycarcheck.com recorded 272 checks covering 85 distinct VINs, giving a useful snapshot of cars shoppers have researched. The average private-sale valuation was £2,600, with average recorded mileage of 104,000 miles and about 3,000 miles added annually. Checks showed an average of 6.6 previous keepers, so condition, maintenance history and ownership changes deserve close attention when viewing one. Best for enthusiasts needing everyday space, the MPS offers more excitement than ordinary hatchbacks, but buyers should budget for performance-car running costs and check its service history carefully.