Sydney show: Mazda3 range revealed

REJUVENATED Japanese car-maker Mazda unveiled its Australian Mazda3 line-up, due on sale here in January following its Frankfurt motor show world debut last month.

To be available in 2.0-litre Neo, Maxx and flagship 2.3-litre SP23 variants, the sedan and hatch range is expected to start at $22,500 for the 2.0-litre Neo manual with air-conditioning, rising to $27,000 for the Maxx and $30,000 for the SP23.

Mazda has confirmed the 2.0-litre engine’s class-leading 105kW (ECE) power output rises still higher on a premium unleaded diet, as will the range-topping SP23’s engine, which on standard ULP produces 115kW (ECE) at 6500rpm – enough for 8.5-second 0-100km/h sprinting.

Mazda also confirmed the SP23 sedan and hatch will sport 17-inch alloy wheels, a sports bodykit, foglights, six airbags, ABS with EBD.