Preliminary Mazda CX-3 pricing leaked

MAZDA'S imminent CX-3 crossover could arrive with an aggressive sub-$20,000 price-tag, if a leaked Australian document is to be believed.

The unofficial document suggests that Mazda's foray into the smallest SUV category will go on sale priced between $19,500 and $20,500 for an entry level manual Neo 2.0-litre petrol, while the range-topping Akari diesel auto with 4WD will sell for about $38,000.

Getting into an auto version of the 2WD petrol will cost between $21,500 and $22,500, according to the document, while the cheapest 4WD CX-3 will sell for between $26,000 and $27,000, with an automatic transmission only.

The information also suggests manual gearboxes will only be available with front-wheel drive petrol versions, while diesel options start from between $26,500 and $27,500 for a front-drive or $33,250 to $34,250 for the cheapest oil-burning all-paw.

Mazda has previously said it was not planning to compete in the very lowest end of the compact SUV segment but if the leaked structure is indicative of showroom pricing, the Mazda will sneak in as one of Australia's most affordable options.

Ford's EcoSport kicks off from $20,790 before on-road costs, the Holden Trax starts from $23,990, while Nissan's Juke has a $22,090 entry point. Honda's just-launched HR-V starts from $24,990 and the Peugeot 2008 kicks off from $21,990.

Mazda Australia told GoAuto the document should not be entirely trusted as the company was still discussing final pricing and was not ready to make any announcements regarding detailed variant specifications or pricing ahead of its launch.

“We are still finalising the final product line-up and pricing for the all-New Mazda CX-3,” said senior public relations manager Karla Leach. “With the launch confirmed for mid-March, we are excited about this car landing in Australia, and look forward to confirming all the details – including pricing very soon.”

The unconfirmed release coincides with an official statement from Mazda detailing some of the new model's specification including engine output figures and a new sTouring and Akari variants not seen before in the Japanese brand's ranks.

Power output for the 2.0-litre SkyActiv petrol is 109kW/192Nm, while the 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel produces 77kW but a heartier 270Nm of torque.

Fuel consumption is competitive for the segment with petrol engines using 6.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres or a more miserly 4.8L/100km with the diesel when combined with the six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission.

The new Akari and sTouring grades will constitute the top end of the range while entry level versions are expected to wear the Neo nameplate with petrol only power, as is the case with other models in the Mazda line-up. The middle of the range will likely be taken care of by a Maxx option.

Wheels will measure either 16 or 18-inches in diameter while some versions will get MZD Connect connectivity system, seven-inch display and a range of i-ActivSense safety tech depending on the specification level.

Mazda Australia director of marketing Alastair Doak said the performance of the CX-3 will ensure its popularity in the small-SUV segment.

“We are very happy with how the first-ever Mazda CX-3 range is shaping up,” he said. “We feel that with a wide range on offer, two engine and two transmission types, and in both front and all-wheel drive, we will have the small SUV market covered.

“I think buyers will enjoy the dynamic performance that Mazda is renowned for, the striking design and the impressive range of latest technology.” Australia will be one of the first regions of the world to get the all-new Mazda CX-3 when it officially launches during the middle of next month.