2010 Mazda3 Gets Safety And Equipment Upgrades, Price Reductions

MAZDA AUSTRALIA has today announced a number of updates to the 2010 Mazda3 hatch and sedan, including new standard safety, comfort and accessories.

New standard safety features include the addition of side front and curtain front and rear airbags, giving the entire Mazda3 range a 5-Star ANCAP crash-safety rating.

The side and curtain airbags, normally a $1000 option, have been added at no cost.

The entry-level Mazda3 Neo now features cruise control and wheel-mounted audio controls, while the Mazda3 Maxx gets fog lamps and a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel. The price of the Maxx has also dropped by $485.

The Mazda3 Diesel, launched just last November, and the Mazda3 Maxx Sport both gain dual-zone climate control, along with a $485 price reduction.

The Mazda3 SP25, already equipped with the above features, gains no updates but offers the same $485 price reduction.

No changes to the Mazda3 MPS have been announced.

This update is likely to be the last for the Mazda3 line-up before Mazda's new Sky-G petrol engine is introduced next year. 

While the Mazda2 is expected to be the first model to gain the new engine, both the Mazda3 and CX-7 are expected to get a major update some time in 2011, meaning that either range could be joined by the new engine at that time.

2010 Mazda3 Pricing Update

• Mazda3 Neo - $21,330
• Mazda3 Maxx - $23,755
• Mazda3 Maxx Sport - $26,360
• Mazda3 Diesel - $29,230
• Mazda3 SP25 - $29,255 

Note: prices are Manufacturer's List Price and do not include dealer delivery and on-road costs.