No Aussie action for potent Premacy

MAZDA has launched a sporty 2.0-litre version of its Premacy mini-MPV in Japan - but the bad news is that we won't get it.

The Premacy Sport is backed by power and torque figures of 121kW and 177Nm - a useful improvement on the 1.8-litre "cooking" model's outputs of 92kW and 163Nm.

Mazda says the new flagship's extra performance is complemented by increased body rigidity along with better ride and handling as a result of a few suspension tweaks.

Visual changes that distinguish the Sport from its lesser siblings include front and rear spoilers, flared wheel arches, side skirts and driving lights. The five-point grille is also revised.

The Premacy Sport's cosmetic upgrades are rounded off (literally) by a set of chunky five-spoke alloys shod with low-profile rubber. Its safety improvements include water-repellent side mirrors and DSC (dynamic stability control).

The Premacy has been a moderate seller here since its launch in February but Mazda Australia spokesman Alastair Doak said there was no chance the Sport would be introduced here to spice up the model's image Just 222 Premacys were sold until the end of May - an average of just over 60 per month - well down on Mazda's initial forecast of 250 monthly sales.