The Week That Was: Mazda3 XD Diesel, Kia Sportage, Vale Sir Jack Brabham

Mazda announced this week that diesel power will soon be available in its top-selling Mazda3, confirming the XD Astina will launch locally in September. 

The XD Astina will get the same 2.2 litre unit featured in the CX-5 and the Mazda6 producing 129kW and 420Nm, matched to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

And in breaking news, there are reports about that the Mazda3 MPS is on track for a 2016 debut, with power as high as 220kW and all-wheel-drive.

The 2014 Kia Sportage is now available, priced from $25,990 plus on-roads for the entry-level Si model with a new 2.0 litre petrol engine.

While power for the 2.0 litre engine option remains steady at 122kW, torque has increased 8Nm to 205Nm and fuel consumption has improved to 8.2 l/100km (down from 8.7) in the manual-equipped model.

At the other end of the range, pricing for the Sportage Platinum 4WD Diesel Automatic now starts at $41,390 plus on-roads.    

the week that was.