Mazda has extended its range with the launch of the new Mazda 3 hatchback.

The Japanese car maker says the Mazda 3 possesses one of the segment's best safety packages with anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, seatbelts with pretensioners and load-limiters, and collapsible steering column and brake pedal.

The Mazda 3 has excellent fuel economy thanks to clean, efficient engines producing low emissions. The Mazda 3 hatchback with 1.4-litre petrol engine returns 39.8 mpg on the official combined fuel cycle. The 1.6-litre engine with manual transmission in hatchback and saloon returns 39.2 mpg.

Mazda 3 sales are expected to reach 8,000 units in 2004, growing to 12,000 in 2005. The hatchback will be the bigger seller with an anticipated 76 per cent of the mix, the saloon fulfilling the remaining 24 per cent.

Prices range from £10,650 to £15,500 on the road, with two body styles and four grades - 'S', 'TS', 'TS2' and 'Sport'. A 109 horsepower diesel will follow in June and a 90 horsepower diesel in March 2005.

Saloon models and Activematic -- an electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission -- will also be available from June.