In what is one of the most highly anticipated launches of the year, Mazda's newest nameplate - Mazda CX-3 - has arrived and is on sale now.

Mazda believes the First-Ever Mazda CX-3 will fill a gap in a market searching for a small SUV with a broader range of grades and a greater choice of features.

With a record 87,237 small SUVs sold last year, sales are already 35 per cent up Year-On-Year in 2015 and Mazda expects a strong presence in this competitive segment.

Starting from an impressive $19,990 - a significantly sharper price than any of its competitors - First-Ever Mazda CX-3 comes in four grades including the entry-level Neo, the Maxx, sTouring, and the range-topping Akari.

The CX-3 arrives in Australia with two engine choices including the all-new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-D diesel and the snappy 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol, mated to a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic or SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission.

In-fact, the CX-3 comes with four powertrain types including Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options across both the 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-D diesel and 2.0 litre SYACTIV-G petrol engines.

With fuel economy figures for the 1.5 litre diesel FWD with SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission at a low 4.8 litres/100km, the 2.0 litre petrol FWD alternative sips as little as 6.1 litres/100km.

Incorporating the award-winning 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language seen across all of the new-generation Mazdas, First-Ever Mazda CX-3 takes interior design to a level not seen in its segment.

MZD Connect, Mazda's advanced infotainment system, includes a seven-inch touch screen operated by a centrally located commander control, and a segment-first Active Driving Display, available across selected grades. For those with the petrol powered 2.0 litre engine, Drive Selection feature switches the powertrain into a more sporty mode, while two USB ports an reverse camera are fitted to Maxx models and above.

The nimble steering and responsive nature of the First-Ever Mazda CX-3 comes thanks to SKYACTIV-Technology which offers a lightweight yet strong SKYACTIV-Body and a SKYACTIV-Chassis that gives a sense of oneness between the car and driver.

A range of protective measures including, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and front, side and curtain SRS airbags are standard across the range, while i-ACTIVSENSE Technologies like Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) are offered\* on all grades.

Available in eight contemporary colours including Soul Red Metallic and the newly introduced Ceramic Metallic, the range comes with four interior trims including the stylish white leather option on the Akari.

First-Ever Mazda CX-3 is on sale now.

Pricing - Manufacturer's List Price

\*As an option on Neo, Maxx and sTouring, standard on Akari

For further information, please contact:

Karla Leach
Senior Manager - Public Relations
T: (03) 8540 1931
F: (03) 8540 1960
M: 0448 346 213
E: kleach@mazda.com.au

Tony Mee
Public Relations Specialist
T: (03) 8540 1962
F: (03) 8540 1960
M: 0439 347 658
E: tmee@mazda.com.au