MIMS: Mazda's small car stars shine at the show
New 3, MPS and MX-5 make a stand for MazdaMazda Australia revealed the new 3 at the Melbourne motor show. The updated version of the popular small car will be on-sale by April.
The soon-to-be superseded model topped the sales chart in January, meaning the company has sold out of its stock earlier than anticipated. The strong sales also helped secure the early shipment of new models (more here).
The range will return to its traditional line-up of Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport and SP range-topper.
The MPS hot hatch also put in an appearance -- on the same day as the Geneva motor show unveiling. Mazda Australia said: "this is a huge coup for Australia and for hot hatch fans, and the second time Mazda has rushed a new car Downunder to the Melbourne International Motor Show."
The first was the 2005 Mazda MX-5 roadster, which was also unveiled in Melbourne on the same day as its international debut in Geneva.
Mazda's stand included the new MX-5, wearing a "significant" makeover for 2009. The new MX-5 is scheduled for sale in March while the MPS is not due until the third quarter of this year.
The Neo, Maxx and Maxx Sport will come standard with the MZR 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 108kW while the SP25 will be equipped with the MZR 2.5-litre petrol four. An updated version of the 2.2-litre turbodiesel will also be available.
Mazda's six-speed manual gearbox will be standard across the range with a five-speed Activematic optional on the petrol models.
Also read our 2009 Melbourne motor show overview
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