CX-3

The new Mazda CX-3 launched in Australia in March 2015, and was built in Japan on a modified version of the Mazda2 floorpan. It also marked the Australian debut of Mazda’s latest SkyActiv-D 1.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.

Offered at launch in 14 variants, the CX-3 came with two engine choices – a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and Mazda’s new 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel – across a four-strong range. A manual gearbox option was available on four cars, while all-wheel drive was available on five variants.

Powered by Mazda’s SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, the base Neo made 109kW at 6000rpm and 195Nm at 2800NmMazda’s new SkyActiv-D 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel motor, meanwhile, made its Australian debut in the CX-3, and the front-wheel-drive Maxx was the cheapest way to get into it.

The automatic-only powertrain delivered 77kW at 4000 rpm, and 270Nm at 1600 – 2500 rpm. Fuel consumption was rated at 5.1L/100km.