Mazda is adding one more diesel engine to the lineup of their 3 model in order to attract more buyers.
The 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine produces 103hp/4000rpm and 270Nm/1600-2500rpm (199lb ft) allowing the 3 Hatchback and Fastback versions to accelerate to 100km/h or 62mph from nought in 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 116mph or 187km/h. Mazda offers the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox, but only for the hatchback version of the 3.
The main attraction of this new addition is not of course the provided straight-line performance but the efficiency figures, with the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D returning 74.3mpg UK and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.
The engine, which debuted under the bonnets of the 2 supermini and the CX-3 SUV, features a low compression ratio of 14.8:1, high dispersion fuel injectors and a unique design of the combustion chamber. These features allow for better efficiency and performance figures, as well as higher engine refinement levels according to Mazda.
Prices for the new Mazda 3 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D diesel start at £18,895 for the UK market, with sales starting at early December.
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