FAMILIES in the UK will benefit from even greater affordable motoring this autumn on three new special edition models from Mazda.

The manufacturer is offering customers special editions of the Mazda3 (Katano), Mazda5 (Furano) and Mazda6 (Katano) with extra specification as standard, from styling enhancements and added accessories to touch-screen satellite navigation and cash savings.

Best-selling model, the Mazda3, is available as the Mazda3 Katano' special edition with free metallic or mica paint, chrome exhaust trim and Mazda's SmartNav satellite navigation system. Priced at £12,995 on-the-road, the 1.6i five-door Mazda3 Katano costs less than the standard model and comes with almost £1,400 of extra accessories.

The 2.0i five-door Mazda6 Katano is priced at £14,995 on-the-road. The Mazda6 Katano is also available with SmartNav and metallic/mica paint, but additionally features a boot spoiler and twin-pipe chrome exhaust.

With these extras, and a cash saving of £655, the Mazda6 Katano represents a value almost £2,500 over the standard 2.0i TS model. Mazda's practical Compact-Multi Activity Vehicle, the Mazda5, has flexible seating for up to seven. The special edition Mazda5 Furano' model is based on the Mazda5 Sport with both petrol (£16,995) and diesel (£18,595) engines available and adds a sports styling kit, new clear rear light lenses and unique paint colours (Stellar Silver Metallic and Strato Blue Mica) - totalling more than £1,500 of extras.

Mark Cameron, marketing director for Mazda Motors UK, said: "Each of the special editions represents fantastically affordable family motoring."