Mazda goes Platinum with 626

MAZDA aims to sustain buyer interest in the 626 with a Platinum variant of its Classic sedan and hatchback.

The Platinum - of which just 400 examples will be offered - adds a rear spoiler, mesh alloy wheels and colour-coded side mouldings to the features already standard in the 626 Classic.

Changes to the interior include white-faced dials, black trim and carbon-look centre console and switch panels. It also gains a black and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A four-year warranty is standard.

Although the extra equipment is valued at $1350, the Platinum editions' pricing represents a premium of less than $400 over the corresponding Classic model.

The Platinum Edition Classic sedan is priced at $29,900, the automatic is $31,820 and the range-topping automatic hatchback costs $33,320.

All 626 Classic models are powered by a 93kW 2.0-litre engine and come with climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, six-stack CD player, power windows and mirrors and cruise control.

The Platinum Edition 626 goes on sale this week and is offered in a choice of two colours - platinum silver or supreme blue.

The Platinum Edition 626 is the second limited edition model to join the Mazda line-up this year, closely following the 121 Platinum Edition introduced last month. These models will be followed in the coming months by special versions of the V6-powered MPV people-mover and 323 Protégé.

Mazda says the Platinum editions will help sustain its strong sales performance this year. The Japanese car-maker posted 17,597 sales until the end of June - a jump of 32 per cent, or 4301 vehicles - over the same period last year.

Sales of the 626 amounted to 2010 cars until the end of June - the model's best half-year result since 1998.

An all-new 626 is due to make its debut in the first half of 2002.