(autoinsidernews) - As fuel prices have climbed, there is a general move towards more performance diesel family hatchbacks. And Mazda is apparently readying a higher horsepower diesel for its Mazda3. The new version, likely to be called the D Sport, will be powered by a 143-hp engine. Currently, the Mazda3 is only available with 90-hp and 108-hp 1.6L diesel engines, which only account for 10 percent of sales, well below most of its opposition, reports Trend.
With the additional power and a six-speed manual, 0-60 times should drop by almost 3 seconds (8.5 sec. versus 11.3) on its way up to a new top speed of 130 mph (15 mph better than before), while delivering an expected 55 mpg.
With a 175-hp Renaultsport MГ©gane and a 180-hp version of the new Toyota Auris on their way, the higher-output Mazda3 comes at just the right time. The Mazda3 D Sport is expected to arrive in European dealerships next Spring.