Mazda adds muscle

AMID the attention surrounding its forthcoming product revolution, Mazda Australia is intent on bringing power to the people before the first all-new model reaches these shores late next year.

More engine performance is in store for several current generation models in the lead-up to the new mid-size range in September, including the MX-5 roadster, Premacy flexi-wagon, 323 Protégé sedan and MPV people-mover.

The first to hit the streets will be the long-overdue MX-5 SP, a locally developed turbocharged version of the popular convertible now slated for release late in January.

Powertrain engineers are putting the finishing touches on the souped-up 1.8-litre engine, expected to lift maximum power 33 per cent to about 150kW and torque 55 per cent to 280Nm.

Whatever the final figures, the price for the limited edition roadster will start from $55,540, with air-conditioning another $2500.

Come March, the Premacy will gain an appreciable shift in performance and attitude with the aid of the 2.0-litre engine currently found in the 323 Astina SP20 and a bodykit from the man behind the MX-5 SP, Mazda Motorsport chief Allan Horsley.

Rear discs and alloy wheels will find their way onto the mini-MPV, complementing a mild upgrade that will hone in on exterior items such as bumper and grille.

The SP20 engine will also head across to the 323 Protégé sedan around the same time, teaming up with a new bodykit for the car based on the MPS Protege introduced in the US earlier this year. Suspension modifications will be carried over from the hatch as well.

Around May, the MPV will be given a mid-life facelift comprising the usual cosmetic nose and tail changes as well as an upgrade to the current 2.5-litre V6 engine.

Sources suggest the people-mover could gain the 3.0-litre engine found on the Tribute four-wheel drive, which would give it a huge boost.

Despite a looming global economic recession looming, Mazda Australia is bullish about its sales prospects next year.

Anticipating the Australian new-car market will decline about 5 per cent in 2002, senior management are nonetheless predicting Mazda will reach 34,000 total sales - the (record) number it is still hoping to achieve this year.