Mazda3, Australia's best-selling small car, is to receive a host of equipment upgrades and price reductions making it even safer and better value.

Available in both hatch and sedan, 2010 Mazda3 upgrades begin with the Mazda3 Neo, which now offers enhanced safety with the addition of standard side (front) and curtain (front and rear) SRS airbags. Significantly, this means that the entire Mazda3 range now achieves a five-star ANCAP rating.

The Mazda3 Neo is also the beneficiary of cruise control and steering wheel-mounted audio controls for improved driver convenience.

The additional airbags and cruise control, which previously cost more than $1000 as options, have been added at no cost.

The upgrades continue through the range with the Mazda3 Maxx next in line for some special treatment. The addition of fog lamps and a leather wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel combined with a $485 reduction in the Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) ensuring that the Mazda3 Maxx remains high on customer's shopping lists.

Both the Mazda3 Maxx Sport and Mazda3 Diesel now offer improved passenger comfort with the addition of dual-zone climate control. A price reduction of $485 is also applied to these models.

The more luxurious Mazda3 SP25, already packed with a long list of insightful features and sporting a larger and more powerful 2.5 litre engine, now offers better value thanks to a $485 price cut.

Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia's Managing Director said, "New Generation Mazda3 has been widely recognised by Australian consumers as offering tremendous value since its launch last year.

Through the addition of new features and reduced prices, we are very pleased to be able to offer a Mazda3 that is now even better value."

2010 Mazda3 Pricing Update

Mazda3 Neo $21,330
Mazda3 Maxx $23,755
Mazda3 Maxx Sport $26,360
Mazda3 Diesel  $29,230
Mazda3 SP25 $29,255

For more information contact:

Steve Maciver
Public Relations Manager
(03) 8540 1961
0437 125 589
smaciver@mazda.com.au

Lydia Richards
Media Communications Manager
(03) 8540 1962
0439 347 658
lrichards@mazda.com.au