The Mazda3 MPS is one of the fastest (and most powerful) hot hatches that we know of, yet leave it up to Mazda Australia’s motorsports division to come up with something just a tad nastier, the Mazda3 MPS Extreme.
By Kyle Kock
Mazda Australia Motorsport unveiled the souped-up version of Mazda’s spicy MPS sub-compact at the Australian Motor Show in Sydney. What is rather important is that Mazda Australia have upped the ante on crucial aspects – engine and suspension upgrades – adding to a 20 percent increase in power.
At a glance, the Mazda3 MPS Extreme doesn’t look radically different from the stock car, save for the black 19-inch BBS Motorsport rims with “MPS” monogram, black roof and tailgate spoiler, and striking “True Red” paintwork with black stripes. Other alterations include extended black wheel arches and tinted windows. The black and red theme continues in the interior, where the leather upholstery is black with red leather inserts. The red highlights continue in the dashboard, gearshift knob and door trimmings.
The part piques everyone’s interest, however, is the increased engine power outputs. Modified by Mazda Australia Motorsport Manager, Allan Horsley, the car’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has been recalculated, and a free-flow exhaust system with sports muffler has been added to give a little extra growl with that added grunt. The 2,3-litre DISI turbocharged four-cylinder now produces 210 kW at 5 300 r/min and 425 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min. The Mazda3 MPS Extreme retains the six-speed gearbox found in its “standard” MPS sibling.
The suspension has been reworked by Murray Coote (one of Australia’s best known suspension tuners), whose suspension systems are used on Mazda rally and racing cars. The car now sits 25 mm lower for a more aggressive stance, filling the fenders with the 19-inch alloys shod in 225/35 Dunlop Sports rubber.
The braking system is the standard Mazda3 MPS fare, with 320 mm and 280 mm discs front and rear; all aided by a larger master cylinder, four-channel ABS, EBD and electronic brake assist. Other safety features include six airbags, a collapsible brake pedal, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
“Mazda Australia, under the direction of Allan Horsley, has an excellent reputation of pushing the envelope in the design and modification of high-performance cars”, says Mazda Australia’s managing director Doug Dickson.
If only the worked Mazda3 could have made it to local shores – the current consignment of hot hatch kings would have some serious competition to think about –at present, only our “friends” down-under are the confirmed recipients of the Mazda3 MPS Extreme.
