Mazda has confirmed the anticipated diesel-powered version of the top-selling Mazda3 will be launched locally on 1 September.
Acknowledged as one of the very best small cars, the lack of a diesel engine has hardly put the brakes on sales of the Mazda3, but Mazda has responded to changing consumer expectation of small cars – mainly driven by their popularity in Europe.
So the Mazda3 XD Astina is being kitted with the same 129kW/420Nm 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel which is also fitted to the Mazda6 and CX-5.
Exclusively a hatchback, the Mazda3 diesel scores some red trim exterior highlights and the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
“It’s our goal to produce cars for people who really enjoy driving and the new Mazda3 XD Astina will deliver on that promise,” explained Mazda Australia’s marketing chief 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.”
