Mazda has introduced a leather-trimmed flagship to the Mazda 3 line-up and added new features to the remainder of the class-leading sedan and hatch range.

Based on the 2.3-litre SP23 sedan and hatch, the leather-trimmed flagship offers black or russet (red-brown) leather seat trim and a seven-speaker, 220 watt BOSE sound system complete with separate sub woofer.

The black or russet leather is coordinated with the car’s exterior color and is complemented by matching door trims. The new Mazda 3 flagship also features high-gloss, dark silver painted alloy wheels and door handles.

Mazda 3’s flagship sedan or hatch is priced from $31,980, an increase of just $2760 over a standard SP23.

Other changes to the Mazda 3 range include an improved sound system on Maxx, Maxx Sport and non-leather SP23 models, which benefits from the addition of two tweeters mounted close to ear level at the base of the A pillar. The additional speakers take the total speaker count to six.

Safety has been boosted with the addition of an “active” seatbelt warning chime, which sounds and becomes more frequent if the car moves before the driver fastens their seatbelt.

Drivers of all Mazda 3 models will also appreciate a new retractable-type key that enables the key blade to fold out of the way when not in use. The central locking buttons are now contained within the fob.

Neo variants benefit from new-look, 15-inch wheel trims, while Carbon Grey mica metallic paint is now offered across the range.

Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson, said: “With demand for the 2.3-litre SP23 outstripping our most ambitious sales targets its obvious that the Mazda 3 range satisfies buyers looking for a dynamic, powerful and sophisticated compact sedan or hatch.

“The new SP23 leather pack sedan and hatch, with its impressive BOSE sound system, will further meet the needs of these discerning customers.

“Last year we finished with an all-time compact car sales record of more than 22,000 cars and with new features and models, and new tariff cut pricing across the class-leading Mazda 3 range, we anticipate an even better performance this year”.

The Mazda 3 is priced from $20,790 for the 2.0-litre manual Neo with air-conditioning.

Standard features on Mazda 3 Neo models include dual airbags, CD player, remote central locking, tilt and reach adjustable steering, height adjustable driver’s seat, ‘bee sting’ aerial, split fold rear seat with centre armrest, five lap/sash seatbelts, disc brakes all round and five headrests.

At $24,900 the Maxx grade adds an additional four airbags (chest protecting side airbags mounted in each front seat and head protecting window airbags) and ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist, alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors, a six disc in-dash CD player and wheel mounted audio controls.

The side and head protecting airbags and ABS brakes are optional on Neo models.

The Maxx Sport sedan and hatch are priced from $25,555 and are designed to appeal to a slightly younger, enthusiast buyer by projecting an even more sporty character. They add front fog lamps, side skirts, rear spoiler and larger 16x6.5 alloy wheels.

Priced from $29,220 the 2.3-litre SP23 sedan and hatch have a full body kit (front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler), large 17x7.0 alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, up market interior trim with red or blue colour highlights, stainless steel scuff plates, a leather steering wheel and gear knob and an outside temperature readout.

Mazda passenger cars are protected by a 3 year/unlimited km warranty.