Mazda 3

Heat is on for diesel 3!

Mazda is warming to the diesel cause with a 143bhp version of its 3 hatchback planned for February

Auto Express Car Reviews

New flagship oil-burner is on its way next year from Mazda

15th December 2006

The 130mph variant, likely to be badged D Sport, will give the brand a much needed boost as it takes on high-output rivals such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 307. Until now, Mazda 3 oil-burners have been relatively mild-mannered 90hp and 108bhp 1.6-litre versions. These represent only 10 per cent of all 3s sold -well below most of the opposition.


	With a six-speed manual gearbox and plenty of mid-range punch, the D Sport should cover 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds

With a six-speed manual gearbox and plenty of mid-range punch, the D Sport should cover 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds. And due to the extra ratio over its smaller-engined counterparts, the newcomer should achieve 55mpg, with CO2 emissions of 140g/km. Next year is set to witness a general move towards more performance diesel family hatchbacks, with a 175bhp Renaultsport Mégane and a 180hp derv version of the Corolla-replacing Toyota Auris on their way.