MAZDA is to follow the arrival of a new turbodiesel engine into the 626 line-up with its introduction into the new 323 - the first time the model has had diesel power. Launched in October last year, the 323 range is made up of three vehicles, the 1.5 GXi, 1.8 GSi and 1.8 SE, but on February 1 they will be joined by the 2.0 Di Turbo costing £14,220, and emphasising Mazda's promise of more diesel engine developments.

The 2.0-litre 16-valve direct injection turbodiesel for the 323 produces 90bhp (10bhp less than the 626 version), and is the first Mazda-developed diesel engine. It reaches 0-62mph in 12.2 secs and has a combined fuel consumption of 55.4mpg making it possible to do 665 miles in mixed driving between fill-ups. Service intervals are every 9,000 miles.

Joining the new diesel in expanding the Mazda 323 range is an automatic transmission option on the 1.5 GXi and 1.8 GSi. The four-speed automatic costs £800 more than the manual equivalent. Prices are £14,270 for the 1.5-litre automatic, and £16,020 for the 1.8-litre.

There are also two new base models, the 1.3 LXi costing £11,720, and the 1.5 LXi at £13,470.