Ford, Mazda unveil sporting twins

FORD and Mazda have announced the imminent launch of sporting variants of their Laser/323 hatchbacks.

Mazda has dubbed its variant the 323 Astina SP20, while Ford's version is called the Laser SR2.

Both cars share their underpinnings and mechanical specification, which includes a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine that cranks out 98 kW at 6000rpm and 178Nm at 4500rpm.

Mazda says its car will be priced at $28,045 for the five-speed manual and $29,995 for the four-speed automatic. Ford's contender will be priced in the same ballpark.

The SP20 is distinguished by its eye-catching Sunburst Yellow launch colour as well as a more aggressive frontal treatment that includes rally-style lights in the bold bumper/air-dam.

Mazda's trademark five-point grille features a sporty black bar across the upper line and the bold centre emblem sits on a back mesh pattern.

Similarly, Ford's Laser SR2 gains a full body kit with front and rear skirts, side rocker mouldings, rear mounted spoiler and big-bore chrome exhaust tip.

Both cars ride on 16-inch wheels shod with low-profile tyres. Anti-lock brakes and lower, stiffer suspension are also standard features.

The sporting theme extends to the interior, which features white-faced instrumentation and two-tone seats. The steering wheel and gear knob are also trimmed in two-tone leather.

Other standard features include dual airbags, CD player (with six-stacker in the Mazda), climate-control air-conditioning, remote central locking and power windows and mirrors.

Mazda Australia managing director Malcolm Gough said the SP20 would add more excitement to the 323 range.

"It is a model with which we expect to attract more of the younger buyers who like to 'strut their sporty stuff'," he said.

Ford Australia passenger vehicle marketing manager Stephen Kruk echoed similar sentiments, saying: "It (SR2) is the hero vehicle for the Laser range, which will also include a new 1.8 litre SR version." "Small car buyers don't want to sacrifice looks, performance or features in a small vehicle. The performance of this all-new engine will prove that they don't have to."