Mazda has cut the price on its 2015 Mazda3 by up to $1150 with many models receiving an additional $1200 worth of standard equipment.

RATIFICATION OF THE Japan-Australia Free Trade Agreement has seen Mazda drop the price of its Mazda3 models from $600 to $1150. In the process, Mazda says it has added, in some cases, up to $1200 in added, now standard, equipment.

For instance, the entry level Mazda3 Neo now comes with stylish 16-inch alloy wheels replacing the original steel wheel offered at launch. It also comes with rear parking sensors – rear parking sensors are now standard across the entire Mazda3 range. Mazda says this is $1200 in added value.

The mid-spec Maxx now gets stylish front fog lamps – an addition now also offered as standard equipment on the Touring variant. The Maxx realises a price cut of $600 to $22,390 (+ORC), while Mazda3 Touring, SP25 and SP25 GT prices have all had their list price cut by up to $800.

The range-topping Mazda3 Astina price comes down by $1150, and the XD Astina diesel has been reduced by $940.

Available with either a 2.0 or 2.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol or 2.2 litre SKYACTIV-D diesel  engine, and mated with either the SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic or SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission, Mazda3 comes in eight colours and with the choice of black or off-white leather, or black cloth seats. Mazda also offers a Safety Pack cost option.