Image Gallery

Mazda’s top-selling 323 offers class-leading value, with the Protégé and Astina hatch now priced from $19,990.

The sub $20,000 1.6-litre sedan and hatch models come standard with a power pack that includes power-operated windows, mirrors and remote central locking.

They also have air conditioning, CD player, driver’s airbag and an engine immobiliser.

Managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough said the $19,990 offer is part of an aggressive runout of the present model. A revised 323 range will be launched June.

"This is the first time that the current 323 has been offered below the $20,000 price point", Gough said.

"With its long list of standard features, the Mazda 323 at $19,990 offers exceptional value".

Mr Gough expects the runout deal will further improve 323 sales.

"So far this year 323 sales have increased by 24 per cent. Over the next couple of months we expect to do even better. However, we have a limited amount of stock, so it will really be a matter of first in, best dressed," he said.

The runout offer, which applies to present 2002 compliance-plated stock, also includes 1.8-litre models, which are priced from $25,990 driveaway.

Apart from a larger-capacity engine, 1.8-litre models also include alloy wheels, ABS anti-lock brakes, passenger airbag, velour trim and a six in-dash CD player.

The sporty and hot-selling 2.0-litre SP20 Astina continues at $29,180 and will be joined in the line-up by a Protégé-based 2.0-litre Sports Edition model later this month. Only 250 Sports Editions will be sold.

Mazda Australia expects to retail more than 37,500 vehicles this year, about 10 per cent up on last year’s record total of 34,126.

All Mazda passenger cars and the Tribute 4WD wagon are covered by the company’s 3 year/unlimited kilometre warranty.