There’s now more to love about one of Australia’s favourite cars, with the stylish Mazda3 upping the ante on entry grade models, going on sale this month.

The acclaimed Mazda3 will see a range of equipment added to Neo, Maxx and Touring grades across hatch and sedan variants, to offer more appeal and even better value for money, enhancing functionality and driver comfort.

Mazda3 Neo will undergo the biggest facelift, evolving into Neo Sport with the entertainment system upgraded to MZD Connect, with multifunction command controller and DAB+ Digital Radio, plus a rear camera and two additional speakers (equalling six speakers in total).

Taking a step up to the Mazda3 Maxx, new equipment includes automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic on/off function for headlamps, dual-zone climate control and an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to become Maxx Sport.

Lastly, Mazda3 Touring will offer more convenience and value to drivers, adopting Advanced Keyless Entry.

These new features join a long list of existing safety technologies and equipment that have won Mazda3 the highest possible safety rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

All Mazda3 models offer a range of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology as standard, including Smart City Brake Support-Forward (SCBS-F), while Mazda3 Maxx Sport and all grades above it get SCBS-Reverse (SCBS-R), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Neo Sport, Maxx Sport and Touring grades feature the 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, while the more powerful 2.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine comes standard on SP25, GT and Astina variants.

Mazda3 is available with a choice of either the SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission, and in eight colours, including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Sonic Silver, Eternal Blue, Titanium Flash, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black and Deep Crystal Blue.