MAZDA'S medium-sized family car, the Mazda3, represents better value for money with a number of specification enhancements.

The £18,995 top-of-the-range Mazda3 MPS, which is powered by a 260 horsepower 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, comes with additional equipment that includes new 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark' finish and half-leather, half-Alcantara seats, which are black with red MPS embossed logo and red stitching.

The Mazda3 MPS is also available with a sports aero kit, priced at £19,495 on-the-road, adding side skirts, larger rear spoiler and Eibach lowered suspension, giving the car a more aggressive appearance. The Mazda3 TS has been replaced with the Mazda3 Takara. Available as either a four-door saloon, or five-door hatchback, powered by a 105 horsepower 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre, 109 horsepower diesel, the Mazda Takara has the addition, over the TS it replaces, of a front sports bumper, rear spoiler, front fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels for enhanced exterior style. Inside, the Takara gets rear electric windows, six-CD auto-changer, leather steering wheel and gearknob, trip computer, illuminated vanity mirrors, piano black centre console and two tone black/ red interior trim. All this additional equipment comes with a price increase of £145 making the on-the-road price from £13,495. For an additional £1,000, the Mazda Takara is available with automatic transmission.

The entry-level Mazda3 S, priced from £11,440 on-the-road, is available as a five-door hatchback, powered by either a 1.4-litre petrol engine, or 1.6-litre, 90 horsepower diesel.