Mazda is attracting a lot of attention with its three new KODO design-inspired ground-up models, the CX-5, the 6 and the new 3. The latter is currently the most desirable, we say, because it offers the same exterior design as the larger 6, a more modern looking interior and a cheaper acquisition price.
Now, while we already knew what that price was for the US market, where the car starts at $16,945 (plus delivery), European/UK pricing information had not been released until now.
Mazda has announced therefore that the 3 has a starting price of £16,695, in the UK, which rises to £19,495 for the highest spec model, in Grand Touring trim, powered by the 2.2-liter diesel engine.
If you want leather, that will be another £1,000 if you opt for the lighter colored one, while special metallic/mica/pearlescent add £530 – ‘Soul Red Metallic’ is £660.
There are notable differences between the engine range available on UK and US cars. For starters, there’s no 2.5-liter petrol engine on offer here, and there’s a weedy 98 hp 1.5-liter petrol engine making up the very bottom of the range. Moreover, the 2.0-liter petrol engine is available in two states of tune, with either 118 hp or 162 hp.
The diesel is the very same found under the bonnet of the larger 6 and CX-5, but here it’s only available in the lower state of tune, offering 148 hp.
Options can push the price of the car past £20,000 easily, if you order with all of the goodies, like Bi-Xenon headlights, rain and light sensing capability or heated seats. There’s even an Adaptive Lighting System (AFS), a head-up display and wheels as big as 18-inches on top Sport Nav trim level models to mention but a few of the available gadgets one can specify.
Finally, there’s a choice of body styles too. If you want the regular hatch, then all of the above is available, however, if you want the sedan, it doesn’t come with the smallest 1.5-liter engine – powered by the two-liter unit, and in base trim, it starts at £16,995.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
