Sporty Mazda3 diesel to cost more than $40K
Mazda announces $40,230 entry price for its performance focussed Mazda3 XD AstinaMazda's top-selling '3' line-up will be topped by a sporty new diesel flagship come September 1.
Known as the Mazda 3 XD Astina, the model adds more equipment, more torque and better safety features to the SP25 Astina on which it is based, with motivation supplied by the same torquey 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D engine already found across the Mazda 6 and CX-5 ranges.
Priced from $40,230 plus on-road costs for the six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual variant and $42,230 plus ORCs for the six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic, the hatch-only Mazda3 XD Astina offers a class-leading 129kW and 420Nm output.
Both iterations are fitted as standard with Mazda's i-Stop idle-stop system and i-ELOOP brake energy recovery technology – Australia's first Mazda3 to do so.
Mazda says the figures are sufficient for an ADR combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 5.0L/100km in manual variants, a 12 per cent improvement over the previous MZR-CD engine offered in the second-generation Mazda3.
Stylistically, the XD Astina is differentiated from the SP25 Astina by 18-inch bright alloy wheels, LED foglights, a black painted 'diffuser' section in the rear bumper, red accenting around the grille and leather/suede combination upholstery with red stitching.
Like the SP25 Astina, the diesel version is equipped with Mazda's full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies, including radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, auto high-beam, auto emergency braking and forward obstruction warning.
"Diesel is a core part of Mazda’s technology strategy and it’s great to add the SKYACTIV-D engine to our best-selling Mazda3 range," said Mazda Australia Director of Marketing, Alastair Doak.
"The SKYACTIV-D has been well received in both Mazda6 and CX-5 and it’ll offer something very special when it arrives in the lighter and smaller Mazda3."
"It’s our goal to produce cars for people who really enjoy driving and the new Mazda3 XD Astina will deliver on that promise."
The Mazda3 XD Astina will go on sale locally from September 1.
Click here to read the motoring.com.au Mazda3 XD launch review
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