TOKYO: Mazda has modernized the popular Mazda3 sedan and come up for 2015, with rear parking sensors now standard across the whole range and price reductions for the majority models.
Entry level Neo models miss out on a price drop, however pricing for the Maxx is reduced by $600; Touring and SP25 by $700; SP25 GT by $800; and SP25 Astina by $1150.
The top-spec turbodiesel XD Astina also sees its pricing dropped by $940.
On top of the now-standard rear parking sensors, the entry-level Neo also gains 16-inch alloys to replace the previous steel wheels and hubcaps, but continues to miss out on the standard reversing camera that comes with all other 3 models. Maxx and Touring models also receive front fog lamps. Engine and transmission options remain unchanged, with Neo, Maxx and Touring models powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
SP25 models keep their 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with six-speed manual or automatic tranmissions.
The XD Astina continues as the only 3 available with the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, along with its choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Every model with the exception of the fully-specced Astinas can have a factory-fitted Safety pack optioned, which adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking. On the Neo and Maxx the Safety pack also adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror which is standard further up the range.
2015 Mazda3 sedan and hatch list pricing
Mazda3 Neo – 2.0-litre petrol manual – $20,490
Mazda3 Neo – 2.0-litre petrol automatic – $22,490
Mazda3 Neo Safety – 2.0-litre petrol manual – $21,990
Mazda3 Neo Safety – 2.0-litre petrol automatic – $23,990
Mazda3 Maxx – 2.0-litre petrol manual – $22,390 (down $600)
Mazda3 Maxx – 2.0-litre petrol automatic – $24,390 (down $600)
Mazda3 Maxx Safety – 2.0-litre petrol manual – $23,890 (down $600)
Mazda3 Maxx Safety – 2.0-litre petrol automatic – $25,890 (down $600)
Mazda3 Touring – 2.0-litre petrol manual – $24,790 (down $700)
Mazda3 Touring – 2.0-litre petrol automatic – $26,790 (down $700)
Mazda3 Touring Safety – 2.0-litre petrol manual – $26,290 (down $700)
Mazda3 Touring Safety – 2.0-litre petrol automatic – $28,290 (down $700)
Mazda3 SP25 – 2.5-litre petrol manual – $25,190 (down $700)
Mazda3 SP25 – 2.5-litre petrol automatic – $27,190 (down $700)
Mazda3 SP25 Safety – 2.5-litre petrol manual – $26,690 (down $700)
Mazda3 SP25 Safety – 2.5-litre petrol automatic – $28,690 (down $700)
Mazda3 SP25 GT – 2.5-litre petrol manual – $29,790 (down $800)
Mazda3 SP25 GT – 2.5-litre petrol automatic – $31,790 (down $800)
Mazda3 SP25 GT Safety – 2.5-litre petrol manual – $31,090 (down $800)
Mazda3 SP25 GT Safety – 2.5-litre petrol automatic – $33,090 (down $800)
Mazda3 SP25 GT Safety and Sunroof – 2.5-litre petrol manual – $32,690 (down $800)
Mazda3 SP25 GT Safety and Sunroof – 2.5-litre petrol automatic – $34,690 (down $800)
Mazda3 SP25 Astina – 2.5-litre petrol manual – $35,040 (down $1150)
Mazda3 SP25 Astina – 2.5-litre petrol automatic – $37,040 (down $1150)
Mazda3 XD Astina – 2.2-litre turbodiesel manual – $39,290 (down $940)
Mazda3 XD Astina – 2.2-litre turbodiesel automatic – $41,290 (down $9