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Mazda3 MPS and diesel models on hold
Mazda says it must focus on profitability before ‘halo' 3 variants are consideredMazda says the maintenance of profitability must take priority over the development of diesel-powered and low-volume sports variants of its all-new Mazda3 range.
Speaking at an event showcasing pre-production variants of the Mazda3 hatch and sedan range, Mazda’s deputy project manager for the Mazda3, Takeo Moriuchi, told motoring.com.au that although an MPS version of the new 3 had not been ruled out, it is still a long way from becoming a reality.
“The line-up, initially, will consist only of the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol,” explained Moriuchi-san. “We acknowledge the need for a specific model like the MPS, but we [also] need to look at feedback from the market; and that request is not just from Australia. In Europe, I’ve had the same question every day.”
Despite the repetition of demand for a Mazda3 MPS, Moriuchi-san said that the hot hatch version comprised only a very small percentage of the overall line-up, and combined with the diesel-powered Mazda3 accounted for less than five per cent of all versions sold.
It’s for this reason that the Mazda3 SKYACTIV-D (for diesel) is also on hold. The Mazda representative said that although the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel was an easier fit (Mazda3 shares the same platform as the CX-5 which is also offered with the 2.2D), the business case was not strong enough to expedite the variant’s production.
“We may not see the diesel until late 2014, or even early 2015,” he added.
Mazda Australia reiterated the sentiments of its Japanese colleague. Local public relations manager, Steve Maciver, said that although the ‘halo affect’ of models like the MPS are known, the number in which they sell simply don’t equate to a rational business case.
“From an Australian perspective, we’d love to have an MPS,” Maciver said.
“It wasn’t a massive seller, but it’s cars like the MPS that give you a good, solid halo affect across your brand, and of course we recognise that.
“At the moment, we have to get the core passenger car range selling consistently in volume, and delivering consistent profitability. [When] we can sustain that, then things like MPS become more achievable for us.”
The Mazda3 topped the passenger car sales chart in Australia in 2011 and 2012. This year it is selling a close second behind the all-new Toyota Corolla. Year-to-date, the Mazda3 has sold 30,781 units locally, only 1258 behind the Corolla.
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Written byMatt Brogan
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