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By EWAN
KENNEDY
23 November 2009
Mazda
has added yet another variant to its most popular model, the
Mazda3, this time a turbo-diesel engine. The mainstream models in
the latest Mazda3 have only been on sale in Australia since April,
but are already the number-one selling car to private buyers in
this country.
The high-performance Mazda3 MPS hit Aussie roads in July and is
proving to be a superior vehicle to the first-generation model,
particularly in the area of refinement and outright performance.
Now a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is on the import list. This 110 kW
engine not only trims fuel bills, but also provides plenty of
performance. Such are the high-tech features in the latest
generation of common-rail diesel engines that the latest Mazda
powerplant can shift the ‘3 from rest to 100 km/h in just 8.5
seconds. More importantly in real life situations, it has the
grunt to get you out and around a slow vehicle in an overtaking
situation. For example it accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in third
gear in only 6.1 seconds.
Mazda Australia is cleverly emphasising the sporting performance
of the new engine by fitting the Mazda3 MZR-CD with a sporting
body kit – comprising a front spoiler, rear wing and side skirts
– and alloy wheels.
Yet this sporty looking car has official fuel consumption of only
5.7 litres per hundred kilometres when measured to Australian
Design Rules. Carbon dioxide emissions are a low 150 grams per
kilometre.
The engine is fitted with a smaller turbo than was used in the
superseded model and this should result in reduced lag and a
greater willingness to rev. At this stage we have only
participated in an extensive technical presentation of the new
Mazda3 turbo-diesel. We will borrow one for our usual one week
road test soon and advise you on our findings shortly afterwards.
Japanese car buyers really aren’t into diesel engines, regarding
them as powerplants for commercial vehicles rather than passenger
models. That may change later as the Japanese become ever more
serious about the European market. But in the meantime the new MZR-CD
comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox, with no automatic
option in sight.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, satellite
navigation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls,
Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control.
The 2010 Mazda3 turbo-diesel is sold in four-door sedan or
five-door hatchback format, both have the same manufacturer’s
recommended list price of $29,715.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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