Mazda3 Sport

The 2008 Mazda3 Sport has been launched by Mazda in Australia. Powered by a 2.0 liter engine, the 2008 Mazda3 Sport may develops 108 kW and 182 Nm of torque. The engine can be coupled with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2008 Mazda3 Sport price will starts at $20,990 for the base model Neo Sport, and for the Mazda3 Maxx Sport will goes up to $25,500.

Press Release

Streamlined Mazda3 Sport range launched

- Value improves by up to $1600 across the range

- Safety first: DSC standard on Mazda3 SP23

- Four new colors 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 colors 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, a 6-disc CD player, cruise control, 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 center 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 center 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 revitalized 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.