2018 MAZDA 3 UPGRADES

Photography by Mitchell OkeMazda Australia has added significant features to its Mazda3 and revised the names in some models to reflect these upgrades.

Mazda3 Neo is now tagged the Neo Sport. Its information system has been upgraded to MZD Connect, that operates through a ‘command controller’, DAB+ digital radio has been added to the radio and it now outputs through six speakers (up from four). A rear camera adds additional safety.

Similarly the Mazda3 Maxx, has also had Sport added to its name. New gear includes automatic wipers and headlights, dual-zone climate-control and an electric parking brake (EPB.

Mazda3 Touring retains its name but now has advanced keyless entry.

The Mazda3 Neo Sport, Maxx Sport and Touring grades all have a 2.0-litre petrol engine. A 2.5-litre petrol engine is installed in the SP25, GT and Astina variants. These haven’t had equipment upgrades at this time, but stay tuned as Mazda Australia may have news on these later.

Photography by Mitchell Oke

All have a five star safety rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). All Mazda3 models offer a range o i-ActivSense safety technology as standard. This includes Smart City Brake Support-Forward (SCBS-F). The Maxx Sport and all grades above it get SCBS-Reverse (SCBS-R), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The upgraded Mazda3 models are on sale now and complement the existing range.

MODEL RANGE
Neo Sport: $21,490 (manual), $23,490 (automatic)
Maxx Sport: $23,490 (manual), $25,490 (automatic)
Touring: $25,490 (manual), $27,490 (automatic)
SP25: $25,990 (manual), $27,990 (automatic)
SP 25 GT: $29,990 (manual), $31,990 (automatic)
SP 25 Astina: $33,490 (manual), $35,490 (automatic)
Note: These are driveaway prices and include all government and dealer delivery charges.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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