Mazda refreshes its 3 range

Mazda has revised its 3 small family car range.

MPS revisions
The Mazda 3 MPS gets a price cut - it now costs 18,995, 105 less than before. Extra kit includes new-style 18-inch alloy wheels and half-leather seats. Power comes from a turbocharged 255bhp 2.3-litre engine.

It is also available with a sports aero kit, which adds side skirts, a rear spoiler and lowered suspension. Cars with the sports aero package are also cut by 105, and now cost 19,495.

New Takara trim
The Mazda 3 TS has been replaced by the Takara. This is available as a four-door saloon or five-door hatchback, with a 103bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine or 107bhp 1.6-litre diesel. It costs from 13,495 - 145 more than the current model.

Exterior equipment includes a sporty front bumper, rear spoiler, front foglights and 16-inch alloy wheels. The car also gets four electric windows, a six-CD changer, leather steering wheel and gearknob, and a two-tone black and red interior.

Tweaks to S trim
The entry-level Mazda 3 S is available as a five-door hatchback and comes with a 82bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine or 88bhp 1.6-litre diesel. An MP3-compatible CD player has been added to the kit list. It costs from 11,400 - 40 less than at present.

Sport trim upgrades
Sport models get a new engine - a 103bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine. It's available in four-and five-door models. It costs from 15,205.

The 147bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel models are still available. The diesel is available only as a five-door, while the petrol-engined model is available as a four- and five-door. These cars now feature leather seats as standard, adding 235 to the list price, which now starts from 16,605.

Exterior enhancements to all models include sportier front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Other features include xenon headlights, LED rear lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic lights, a seven-speaker BOSE stereo and privacy glass.