Mazda CX-3 preliminary pricing and specifications leaked

The leaked information reveals a four-tier model range, including the high-grade sTouring and Akari variants announced yesterday, and entry- and mid-spec Neo and Maxx versions.

The preliminary data suggests Mazda CX-3 pricing could start from $19,500 to $20,500 for the entry-level Neo petrol front-wheel-drive manual and stretch as high as $37,500 to $38,500 for the Akari diesel all-wheel-drive automatic (prices before on-road costs).

It shows the base Neo will be available exclusively with the 109kW/192Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and front-wheel drive, with the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions the only major option, the latter adding $2000.

All other grades will allegedly be available in front-drive petrol manual and auto spec, as well as all-wheel-drive petrol auto and front-drive diesel auto configurations. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces 77kW of power and 270Nm of torque.

The preliminary Mazda dealer data indicates that the Maxx could range in price from $22,000 to $27,500, the sTouring from $26,500 to $34,250, and the flagship Akari from $30,750 to $38,500.

Standard CX-3 Neo features supposedly include 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, and a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming.

The circa-$2500 jump to the Maxx is said to add 16-inch alloys, reverse-view camera, MZD Connect infotainment system with satellite navigation, rotary commander dial, six-speaker audio system, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake.

Another circa-$4500 is said to afford the sTouring, which the document says gains 18-inch alloys, keyless entry, climate control, head-up display, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers, and LED headlamps, tail-lights and daytime running lights.

An extra circa-$4250 on top of that is the Akari, which is said to get a sunroof, leather/suede upholstery, and an expanded safety pack including blind spot monitoring, auto high beam, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and emergency city braking.

Mazda Australia would not comment about the source of the alleged leaked document or the accuracy of the information it contains. A spokeswoman told CarAdvice the company is “still finalising many aspects [of the CX-3], including product line-up and pricing”.

“With the launch confirmed for mid-March, we are looking forward to confirming all the details – including pricing very soon."

CarAdvice understands many of the details are broadly accurate, though suggests they should still be taken as a guide only.

Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders told CarAdvice earlier this week that a sub-$20,000 starting price for the CX-3 was “probably a bit sharp”, and suggested it also may not need to be priced as cheaply as the Ford EcoSport, which starts at $20,790.

Stay tuned for more details on the Mazda CX-3 in the lead-up to its launch next month. Until then, read our 2015 Mazda CX-3 Review and watch our video review of some pre-production cars.