Mazda3 has received a range of innovative additions, and price reductions, that will make it even more appealing to small car buyers.

Boasting a stylish interior and exterior re-design and improved ride and handling, New Mazda3 features new i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology; including Smart City Brake Support-Forward (SCBS-F) which is now standard across the range, while Mazda3 Maxx and all grades above it get SCBS-Reverse (SCBS-R), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Making New Mazda3 safer still is the inclusion of Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) on the Mazda3 SP25 GT, and the range-topping Astina adds the Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS) and Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) as standard equipment.

New Mazda3* also gets an Electric Parking Brake and Electric folding mirrors, DAB+ digital radio, a Drive selector switch is available on automatic models, there are three new exterior colours to choose from, and Pure White leather – an all-new seat trim on Mazda3 - is available as an option.

With Mazda3 Neo pricing remaining at $20,490 (MLP) - but packed with an assortment of new equipment, prices have fallen on all other models by between $1,000 and $1,550 compared to the outgoing model that included the safety pack option.

"Mazda has improved what is already an excellent car", said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

"The updated i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology inclusions make Mazda3 one of the safest cars in its class, while the enhanced drive and handling characteristics – something that Mazda is renowned for – are sure to impress all that drive it."

The front-end of the New Mazda3 has been re-designed, and includes a new front grille and signature wing that combine with the adoption of either new Halogen or LED headlamps to create a bolder, more aggressive expression.

The dynamic flow – that articulates KODO in its purest form – gracefully runs through to the rear of the car to convey rhythmical motion, joining the rear bumper, which expresses a composed sense of stability.

LED fog lamps are available on all models from the Maxx grade, while electric folding mirrors are standard across the range and are automatic on Touring and above.

The New Mazad3 also gets a stylish interior makeover. The decorative panel is now more three dimensional in shape, the inner handle bezel of the door trim features a sharper, smoother design, and the inclusion of satin chrome, and other metallic materials, collectively heighten the feeling of quality.

Vehicles equipped with Electric Parking Brake (EPB) feature a new centre console design made possible thanks to the extra space in this area, while the Active Driving Display* is now presented in full colour, with DAB+ digital radio also available.

New Mazda3 also offers improved handling performance and ride comfort, thanks to G-Vectoring Control - a world-first Mazda technology that improves chassis balance - and Electric Power Assist Steering, damper and suspension enhancements. Occupants will also experience a quieter drive thanks to better NVH.

Available in eight contemporary colours, including the all-new Machine Grey, Sonic Silver and Eternal Blue, New Mazda3 is offered with two engine types.

The 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol with 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque is available on Neo, Maxx and Touring grades. The more powerful 2.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine – with 138kW of power and 250Nm of torque - comes standard on SP25, GT and Astina variants. The 2.2 litre SKYACTIV-D Diesel is no longer offered.

Like other Mazda passenger and SUV vehicles, New Mazda3 is available with a choice of either the SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.

New Mazda3 goes on sale from 1 August, 2016.

* Grade dependant

Pricing – Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) for sedan and hatch

Editors' Notes:

Mazda3 Neo features* include:
Drive Selector switch (auto only)
Electric folding mirrors
G-Vectoring Control (GVC)
Halogen headlamps
Rear Parking Sensors
Smart City Brake Support-Front (SCBS-F)
Traction Control System (TCS)

Mazda3 Maxx features* (additional to Neo)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
DAB+ Digital Radio
Front Fog-lamps (LED)
Multi-function commander control
MZD Connect
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear-view mirror with auto dimming function
Reverse Camera
Satellite navigation
Smart City Brake Support - Reverse (SCBS-R)

Mazda3 Touring features* (additional to Maxx)
Dual-zone climate control
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
Headlamps with auto on/off function
Leather seat trim
Power mirrors (body coloured, auto folding)
Rain sensing wipers

Mazda3 SP25 features* (additional to Maxx)
Advanced Keyless Entry
Duel-zone climate control
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
Headlamps auto on/off function
18 inch alloy wheels

Mazda3 SP25 GT features* (additional to SP25)
All-colour Active Driving Display
Daytime running lamps (LED)
Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
LED headlamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
Power mirrors (heated)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

Mazda3 SP25 Astina features* (additional to SP25 GT)
Adaptive LED headlamps
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
Sunroof
18 Inch alloys (bright finish)

*Highlights only. Full features are included in the New Mazda3 PDF press kit - download from Related Documents.