New 50MPG Mazda3 Diesel is Mazda's Most Frugal Small Car Ever(But Not For North America)

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – November 18, 2009: Mazda’s stylish and sporty New Generation Mazda3 range now gives Australian buyers more choice than ever, following the arrival of a spirited and economical turbodiesel variant boasting class leading torque and improvements in environmental performance.

Priced at $29,715 the New Generation Mazda3 Diesel sedan and hatch is powered by a 2.2 litre common rail turbodiesel engine that produces a class leading 360Nm of torque and 110kW of power when mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

New Generation Mazda3 Diesel sips just 5.7L/100km (previously 6.0), on the combined cycle, making it the company’s most economical small car ever.

The 2.2 litre MZR-CD is the same engine used in the Mazda6 Diesel but has been tuned for the smaller Mazda3. Impressive fuel efficiency is achieved via improvements in Variable Geometry Turbocharger, fuel pump and piston design while a Diesel Particulate Filter helps New Generation Mazda3 Diesel meet strict emissions regulations.

New Generation Mazda3 Diesel offers class-leading handling and dynamics thanks to a combination of Electronic Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering, improvements in body rigidity through increased spot welds and a newly-evolved MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system.

Available in both sedan and hatch, New Generation Mazda3 Diesel sets the benchmark for affordable luxury offering an impressive list of standard equipment including air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone and audio (MP3 compatible), satellite navigation, cruise control, maintenance monitor, trip computer and a MP3/WMA compatible in-dash 6-disc CD player.

New Generation Mazda3’s host of standard safety equipment makes it one of the safest small cars on the market. Standard on the Mazda3 Diesel is an Anti-lock Braking System, six SRS airbags (driver and passenger, front-side and front and rear curtain), Dynamic Stability Control with a Traction Control System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.

Exterior highlights include 16 inch alloy wheels, body coloured door handles and mirrors, body kit comprising rear spoiler and side skirts and front fog lamps, while New Generation Mazda3’s expressive and aerodynamic design fetches Mazda3 Diesel a drag coefficient of just 0.31.

Mazda3 Diesel is available in a choice of eight mica or metallic body colours and Mazda does not charge extra for the privilege, a saving of up to $700 on some other small cars.

Australian new car buyers now have the choice of five Mazda diesel passenger vehicles: Mazda3 Diesel Hatch or Sedan, Mazda6 Diesel Sports Hatch, Mazda6 Diesel Wagon and CX-7 Diesel Sports.