It was in Australia that the third generation Mazda3 was first introduced back in June 2013 so it is only fitting that the 2015 edition of the vehicle is being offered with perks for motoring consumers in the Land Down Under.
Apparently, the popular 2015 Mazda3 provides some improvements and discounts in Australia as the Japanese carmaker takes advantage of Australia’ Free Trade Agreement with Japan worked out late last year, notes The Motor Report.
The 2015 Mazda3 rolled off to the Australian retail market last year and shortly thereafter reductions were made on its $20,490 price for its entry level variant known as Neo.
The price is almost a bargain considering that it already comes with reverse-parking sensors and 16-inch alloy wheels in place of hubcapped steel wheels.
A compact car
The Mazda3 or Mazda 3 is a compact car which is also known as Mazda Axela in Japan. Its first version was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, which officially replaced Mazda Familia / 323 / Protégé.
The Japanese carmaker has also released performance-oriented editions of the Mazda3 which it called as Mazdaspeed3 in North America, Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, and the Mazda3 MPS in Europe.
Subsequently a second generation Mazda3 was introduced in 2008 as a 2010 model. It was formally introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show and its hatchback version at the Bologna Auto Show.
The improved version of the second generation of Mazda3 came during the 2012 model year where the Japanese carmaker already incorporated the SkyActiv technology featuring a more rigid body, a new direct injection engine, and new six-speed transmission.
The current third generation of the Mazda3 was introduced in June 2013 as a 2014 model and an improved version of the vehicle was rolled out last year as the 2015 model.
The Mazda3 now lords it over the new SkyActiv chassis and does not share the platform with the Ford C1. It is the third vehicle to sport the Mazda’s ‘KODO: Soul of Motion’ design language, following the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda6.
Improved sales performance
In a year when sales in the small car segment have gone down, the 2015 Mazda3 surprisingly posted a 3% sales growth.
Martin Benders, president of Mazda Australia, attributes this sales growth to the preference of private and business fleet buyers to Mazda3.
Benders explained that the addition of new features and the price reduction, the Mazda3 has certainly maintained its overwhelming appeal among Australian motorists.