International Pricing
 

Hey, I am a newbie here, but have been reading your posts for a while...

The Mazda 3 was released here in Australia earlier in the month this year. I am a big fan from what I have seen of it and am seriously considering trading in my WRX and go for this tough looking little car. It will save me a fortune on running costs and insurance too...

The point I am here to make is regarding international pricing and why some places get different options that other don't...

The "Australian" Mazda 3 comes in 4 levels. Neo, Maxx, Maxx Sport and the SP23. All models come in Hatch of sedan and the SP23 is the only one with the 2.3 litre engine - The SP23 hatch is what I will base my calculations on.

Firstly, in STANDARD trim the car has Climate control A/C, 17" rims, a body kit (skirts and lips), brighter two tone cloth interior, 6CD in-dash, ABS, EDB, all the air bags, leather steering wheel and gearshift, halogen headights and external temp gauge. Obviously, the car has other features, but most of these are exclusive for the SP23 (6CD, ABS, EDB, Halogens and air bags and standard in all models except Neo) All this for a rrp of AUS$29,990. At first, I thought, not bad at all!!

However, I have recently been doing some research into the US Mazda 3, it's specs, options and PRICES. And basically, I am a little bit pissed. I priced a 2.3 litre hatch with leather interior, ABS, EDB, airbags, XENON & TPMS pack, 6CD in-dash, moon roof, SAT NAV system. Basically, I took your 2.3 litre hatch and spec'd it up to match AND EXCEED what our SP23 is and it came to a rrp of US$22145 and converted to AUS$28,521 - So, a higher spec'd car in the States is STILL CHEAPER that a lower spec'd car in Australia.

Anyone know why this is??

it all matters on what the market will bear....in canada if you work out the prices for most cars you find that it's cheaper to buy a car in canada then in the U.S but the car manufactures have to do that because they wouldnt' be able to sell cars if they didn't......i'm not familar with the Australian market but i'm guessing your market will bear a higher cost then the U.S or canada market.

Also concider the costs of shipping to Autralia