Fuel bills in trim

By Ewan Kennedy
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 100km/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 for overtaking. For example, it accelerates from 80 to 120km/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 100 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The engine is fitted with a smaller turbo than was used in the superseded model and this should result in reduced lag and a greater willingness to rev.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.
The Mazda range is available for test drive at Berwick Mazda, Prestige Place, Narre Warren on 8796 6222 or at Bruce Clough Mazda, Princes Highway, Nar Nar Goon, on 5942 5584.