Mazda shocks with a 20 per cent price increase in just one year for its best-selling car - because the company wants a more 'premium' image
- The 2019 Mazda3 hatch starts at $24,990 but is almost $30k after on-road costs
- This is a whopping 20 per cent increase of $4,500 from the previous 2018 model
- Mazda expects to sell less cars but thinks drivers want a more premium product
- The most high-end model costs $36,990 and has a burgundy leather interior
Japanese car-maker Mazda is taking a gamble by hiking the prices of its best-selling car by $4,500.
The new Mazda3 hatchback, which was Australia's biggest-selling car in 2011 and 2012 starts, at $24,990 but could cost almost $30,000 after on-road costs in 2019.
Last year's model cost $25,000 after on-road charges when it launched - meaning the car's price has increased by 20 per cent in just one year.
The Neo Sport and Maxx Sport entry grade models have been dropped since they don't meet new safety standards.
Mazda Australia’s managing director Vinesh Bhindi is open to Mazda3 sales going down, according to Car Advice.
The new Mazda3 hatchback starts at $24,990 but could cost almost $30,000 after on-road costs. Last year's model cost $25,000 after on-road charges when it launched. This is a 20 per cent difference of $4,500
'We're re-orienting the vehicle to a more premium position,' Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak said.
'It’s what our customers have asked for... in the last five years we’ve seen Mazda 3 buyers move away from the the entry grade.'
The company is following a similar path to Toyota, which stopped making its entry-level Corolla Ascent model to cater to drivers who want more safety, tech features and premium finishes.
'We're re-orienting the vehicle to a more premium position,' Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak said, according to Car Advice . The car that has premium finishes like leather seats and high-tech features like the heads-up display
The Burgundy leather leather interior is only available for the most premium 2019 Mazda3 hatchback model. The G25 Astina costs $36,990 and has 18-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera and adaptive LED headlights
All six of the 2019 Mazda3 hatchbacks have a heads up display on the windscreen that shows the your speed and the speed limit, an 8.8-inch wide-screen and stereos compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The G20 Pure is the cheapest option while the G20 Evolve and Touring models have more premium features and set you back an extra $1700 and $4000, respectively.
G25 models have 2.5 litre engines and come in Evolve, GT and Astina varieties.
The most luxurious option is the $36,990 G25 Astina with 18-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera, adaptive LED headlights and leather trimmed seats that come in black and burgundy.
All six of the 2019 Mazda3 hatchbacks have a heads up display on the windscreen that shows the your speed and the speed limit, an 8.8-inch wide-screen and stereos compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
'It’s what our customers have asked for... in the last five years we’ve seen Mazda3 buyers move away from the the entry grade,' Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak said, according to Car Advice
