Mazda’s New Generation Mazda3 range now includes an economical turbo-diesel variant with what Mazda says is “class leading torque and improvements in environmental performance”.
Priced at $29,715 the New Generation Mazda3 Diesel sedan and hatch is powered by a 2.2 litre common rail turbodiesel engine that produces a class leading 360Nm of torque and 110kW of power when mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
New Generation Mazda3 Diesel returns just 5.7L/100km (previously 6.0), on the combined cycle, making it the company’s most economical small car.
The 2.2 litre MZR-CD is the same engine used in the Mazda6 Diesel but has been tuned for the smaller Mazda3. Fuel efficiency
is achieved via improvements in Variable Geometry Turbocharger, fuel pump and piston design while a Diesel Particulate Filter helps New Generation Mazda3 Diesel meet strict emissions regulations.
New Generation Mazda3 Diesel offers outstanding handling and dynamics thanks to a combination of Electronic Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering, improvements in body rigidity through increased spot welds and a newly-evolved MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system.
Available in both sedan and hatch, New Generation Mazda3 Diesel is an affordable luxury offering an impressive list of standard equipment including air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone and audio (MP3 compatible), satellite navigation, cruise control, maintenance monitor, trip computer and a MP3/WMA compatible in-dash 6-disc CD player.
New Generation Mazda3’s host of standard safety equipment makes it one of the safest small cars on the market.
Standard on the Mazda3 Diesel is an Anti-lock Braking System, six SRS airbags (driver and passenger, front-side and front and rear curtain), Dynamic Stability Control with a Traction Control System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.
Exterior highlights include 16 inch alloy wheels, body coloured door handles and mirrors, body kit comprising rear spoiler and side skirts and front fog lamps, while New Generation Mazda3’s expressive and aerodynamic design fetches Mazda3 Diesel a drag coefficient of just 0.31.
Mazda3 Diesel is available in a choice of eight mica or metallic body colours and Mazda does not charge extra for the privilege, a saving of up to $700 on some other small cars.
Mazda Australia estimates that around approximately 100 Mazda3 Diesels will be sold each month, equating to about five percent of the model mix.