PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Auto Bhd is confident of getting good acceptance for its newly launched Mazda3 model which now comes with higher levels of refinement, performance and connectivity package.

Its executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said the sporty model, which uses a six-speed automatic transmission, comes in two body styles of sedan and liftback, and a choice of 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre engines.

“The latest fourth generation Mazda3 has a stylish exterior, improved interior build-quality and better features compared with its competitors,” he said at the launch of the car in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Fully imported from Japan, the on-the-road without insurance prices of the Mazda3 starts from RM139,620 and ranges to RM160,059.

Bermaz Auto chief executive office Datuk Francis Lee said the first generation Mazda3 was the company’s key attraction when it started business in 2008.

“We have raised the annual sales of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia from a 1,000 units to over 16,000 units annually,” he said.

Also present at the launch were Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd executive chairman Datuk Amer Hamzah, Mazda Motor Corp general manager of Asean Business Office Susumu Niinai and Bermaz Motor director Datuk Wong Kin Foo.