Streamlined Mazda3 Sport range
launched
7 APRIL 2008
Value improves by up to $1600 across the range
Safety first: DSC standard on Mazda3 SP23
Four new colours for even greater appeal
Mazda has launched the Mazda3 Sport range, bringing even more
features, improved safety and better value to its best-selling
model.
From April Australia’s top-selling importer injects fresh
appeal into its Mazda3 sedan and hatch range. The streamlined
Mazda3 Sport range is available in Neo Sport, Maxx Sport,
Diesel, SP23 and MPS variants sporting a host of cosmetic
changes.
The Mazda3 Sport range offers a choice of two body styles, four
transmissions and four specification grades. Vehicles in the
range are available in up to 12 colours including four new to
the Mazda3 range; Copper Red, Golden Sand, Metropolitan Grey
and Stormy Blue.
The base model Neo Sport retains its $20,990 starting price and
is packed with $1600 worth of extra value. Its 15-inch steel
wheels are replaced by alloys while power windows and mirrors
and an AUX jack for iPod compatibility are now standard. An
upgraded black cloth seat and door trim completes the
makeover.
Other standard features on the Mazda3
Neo Sport include dual front airbags, air-conditioning,
single-disc CD player, remote central locking, driver’s seat
height adjustment and tilt and a telescopic adjustable steering
wheel.
Priced from $25,500 the petrol-powered Mazda3 Maxx Sport gets
six airbags (driver, passenger, front-side and front- and
rear-curtain), chrome outer door handles and a new design
16-inch alloy wheel. An upgraded cloth interior trim takes
inspiration from the SP23, and a sleek centre console in Piano
Black gives its interior a luxurious feel.
The 2.0-litre engine that powers the Neo Sport and Maxx Sport
promises outstanding drivability and impressive performance
with 108kW and 182Nm. It mates to both a 5-speed manual and
4-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda3's excellent fuel consumption is also kind to your
wallet. The Mazda3 manual model returns 8.2L/100km on the ADR
81/01 cycle.
The Mazda3 Diesel sedan and hatch enjoys the same improvements
and high level of specification as the Maxx Sport, and is even
better value at $29,500. The Mazda3’s hi-tech diesel powerplant
boasts a best-in-class 360Nm and 105kW and accelerates from
0-100kmh in 9.5 seconds with a standard six-speed manual
gearbox.
The 2.3-litre Mazda3 SP23 (115kW and 203Nm) is priced from
$29,600 and now offers even more refinement and value across
its base and luxury grades. Chrome outer door handles and
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System
(TCS), previously packaged into the SP23 Luxury, are now
standard features on the SP23.
Inside, the SP23 gets a new ultra-quality seat and door trim
cloth courtesy of its big brother MPS, and a centre console,
instrument panels, steering wheel and power window switch
bezels all in Piano Black.
The turbocharged Mazda3 MPS gets similar interior upgrades
along with a brand new cloth trim with red highlights. The
world’s fastest hot-hatch, priced from $38,750, is equipped
with a 2.3-litre engine that belts out 190kw and 380Nm.
“This model freshening makes the Mazda3 Sport range even safer
and better value than ever before,” says Mazda Australia
managing director Doug Dickson.
“This revitalised line up adds even more value to an already
exceptionally priced car that continues to attract Australian
new car buyers with its high levels of safety, performance,
economy and style.”
More than 130,000 Australians have voted with their wallets for
the Mazda3 since its launch in January 2004 and the Mazda3
Sport range is sure to build on this success.
Mazda3 Sport range
Sedan and Hatch
Mazda3 Neo
Sport
$20,990
With Safety
Pack
$22,690
Auto
transmission
$2,000
Mazda3 Maxx
Sport
$25,500
With
DSC
$26,500
Auto
transmission
$2,000
Mazda3
Diesel
$29,500
Mazda3
SP23
$29,600
With Luxury
Pack
$31,600
Auto
transmission
$2,260
Mazda3
MPS
$38,750
With Sports
Pack
$42,250
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