Those Aussies might not know how to sort out a decent scrum, but they certainly know how to over-egg the pudding.This little ripper is the Mazda 3 MPS Extreme. Yes, that’s right, Extreme. Because after all, what Mazda’s ludicrously powerful 256bhp, 280lb ft hot hatch really needed was even more go.So Mazda Australia Motorsport manager, Allan Horsley, set to work on the car, tweaking the engine management to produce 282bhp at 5300rpm and 314lb ft at 4400rpm. That ought to cut the MPS’s already quick 6.1sec 0-60mph time, if the front tyres can get any grip, but Mazda hasn’t released any performance figures.To go with the extra power, the suspension has been worked at by Australian suspension guru Murray Coote. It’s now 25mm lower than the standard (non-Aero Kit) car, and sits on mean-looking black 19-inch alloys – an inch larger than standard – riding on 225/35 Dunlop tyres.Then there are the cosmetic, err, enhancements. These include black stripes, a black roof and a bigger rear spoiler, plus slight wheel arch extensions to accommodate the bigger rims. At the back there’s the standard two-inch drainpipe/exhaust. There's also a ludicrously tacky 'Extreme' sticker.Inside the seats get lots of red leather, and there is a red flash on the dash, which we rather like.Sadly, the Extreme, which was revealed at this week’s Sydney motor show, is no more than a concept for now, though Mazda Australia has a history of making some rather tasty modified motors, including a turbocharged MX-5.
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