One of the most highly anticipated cars of this year has finally arrived in Australia; the all-new 2014 Mazda3. It brings an all-new design, more technology, more equipment, and similarly competitive pricing.
Although it’s not a performance car, and there’s no official sign of a new MPS version on the horizon, the Mazda3 was the best-selling car in Australia for 2011 and 2012, narrowly missing out on 2013 to the Toyota Corolla.
For the new model, as expected, the packaging has become even better, with more standard equipment and more advanced in-car tech. The standard of which is the new HMI command control unit and MZD Connect connectivity system.
Some variants will be available with satellite navigation as well, head-up display, pre-crash safety including radar automatic braking technology, radar cruise control, as well as Pandora and Stitcher music applications, and various luxuries and modern conveniences.
Interior space has grown in almost every area for both the sedan and hatch variants, with more front and rear legroom and more shoulder space. Cargo space has shrunk slightly for the hatch, now offering 308 litres. The sedan offers 408 litres.
On the outside, the new Mazda3 adopts the company’s latest KODO design language which is also seen on the latest Mazda6, CX-5 and CX-9. The trademark is the drooping from grille and inverted headlights which give it a pouncing, sporty look.
Powering the new small car are two engine options; a 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol four-cylinder, which consumes 5.7L/100km, and a 138kW/250Nm SKYACTIV 2.5-litre four-cylinder which consumes 6.0L/100km. Both of these provide a 30 per cent improvement in efficiency compared with the outgoing equivalents.
Like the outgoing range, the new model is expected to be a top favourite among Aussie buyers. It officially goes on sale on February 1.
See below for the full price list (excluding on-road costs):
2014 Mazda3 Neo 2.0 six-speed manual – $20,490
2014 Mazda3 Neo 2.0 six-speed auto – $22,490
2014 Mazda3 Maxx 2.0 six-speed manual – $22,990
2014 Mazda3 Maxx 2.0 six-speed auto – $24,990
2014 Mazda3 Touring 2.0 six-speed manual – $25,490
2014 Mazda3 Touring 2.0 six-speed auto – $27,490
2014 Mazda3 SP25 2.5 six-speed manual – $25,890
2014 Mazda3 SP25 2.5 six-speed auto – $27,890
2014 Mazda3 SP25 GT 2.5 six-speed manual – $30,590
2014 Mazda3 SP25 GT 2.5 six-speed auto – $32,590
2014 Mazda3 SP25 Astina 2.5 six-speed manual – $36,190
2014 Mazda3 SP25 Astina 2.5 six-speed auto – $38,190
