The streamlined Mazda 3 Sport range is available in Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Diesel, SP23 and MPS variants sporting a host of cosmetic changes.

The Mazda 3 Sport range offers a choice of two body styles, four transmissions and four specification grades. Vehicles in the range are available in up to 12 colours including four new to the Mazda 3 range; Copper Red, Golden Sand, Metropolitan Grey and Stormy Blue.

The base model Neo Sport retains its $20,990 (RRP) starting price and is packed with $1,600 worth of extra value. Its 15-inch steel wheels are replaced by alloys while power windows and mirrors and an AUX jack for iPod compatibility are now standard. An upgraded black cloth seat and door trim completes the make-over.

Other standard features on the Mazda 3 Neo Sport include dual front airbags, air-conditioning, a 6-disc CD player, cruise control, remote central locking, driver’s seat height adjustment and tilt and a telescopic adjustable steering wheel.

Priced from $25,500 (RRP) the petrol-powered Mazda 3 Maxx Sport gets six airbags (driver, passenger, front-side and front- and rear-curtain), chrome outer door handles and a new design 16-inch alloy wheel. An upgraded cloth interior trim takes inspiration from the SP23, and a centre console in black gives its interior a refreshed feel.
(14th April, 2008 CORRECTION:The Mazda 3 Neo Sport model does not come with cruise control and a 6-stack CD player standard, as stated in this news story. Mazda Australia apologises for the inconvenience this error may have caused when incorrect information was provided to the motoring media. Editor.)

The 2.0-litre engine that powers the Neo Sport and Maxx Sport promises outstanding drivability and impressive performance with 108 kW and 182 Nm. It is matched to either a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Mazda 3 Diesel sedan and hatch enjoys the same improvements and high level of specification as the Maxx Sport, and is even better value at $29,500 (RRP). The Mazda 3’s diesel powerplant boasts 360 Nm and 105 kW and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in some 9.5 seconds with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

The 2.3-litre Mazda 3 SP23 (115 kW and 203 Nm) is priced from $29,600 (RRP) and now offers more refinement. Chrome outer door handles and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), previously packaged into the SP23 Luxury, are now standard features on the SP23.

Inside, the SP23 gets a new seat and door trim cloth courtesy and a centre console, instrument panels, steering wheel and power window switch bezels all in black.

The turbocharged Mazda 3 MPS gets similar interior upgrades along with a brand new cloth trim with red highlights. In a difficult category to compete in due to the outstanding success of the brilliant VW Golf GTI, the 3 MPS remains on offer priced from $38,750 (RRP). It is equipped with a 2.3-litre engine that provides 190 kw and 380 Nm.

Mazda 3 Sport range prices (RRP)

Sedan and Hatch

Mazda 3 Neo Sport $20,990
With Safety Pack $22,690
Auto transmission $2,000

Mazda 3 Maxx Sport $25,500
With DSC $26,500
Auto transmission $2,000

Mazda 3 Diesel $29,500

Mazda 3 SP23 $29,600
With Luxury Pack $31,600
Auto transmission $2,260