Mazda's rugged and stylish B Series Bravo range has expanded with Freestyle and Dual Cab models now available with a powerful 154 kilowatt 4.0-litre V6 engine.

Boasting an impressive 323Nm of torque at just 3000rpm, the Bravo's new V6 powerplant mates to a new five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, delivering strong performance and good fuel economy.

The V6 engine adds a new performance dimension to Mazda's stalwart commercial ute range and compliments the existing 2.5-litre turbo diesel and 2.6-litre petrol powerplants.

Available in two and four-wheel-drive variants all 4.0 V6 models - as the new V6 versions are badged -- feature a new, more pronounced bonnet, body coloured wheel arch flares, chunky 245/75 R15 tyres (265/70 on SDX variants), 15 x 7.0 wheels and an impressive 205mm of ground clearance.

Inside standard features include, but are not limited too, air conditioning, tilt adjustable steering, remote entry, cloth seat trim, engine immobiliser, centre cool box and a CD player.

The V6 Bravo range, which offers the five-speed automatic transmission for the same price as the manual gearbox, is priced from $31,790 for the 4.0 V6 Freestyle Cab Chassis.

These two wheel drive models also have power mirrors and front windows, dual airbags, mesh cloth trim and can tow up to 1800kg and have a payload of as much as 1120kg.

The four wheel drive automatic models, which have remote front locking hubs, allows two wheel, four wheel and low range 4WD to be selected at the flick of a switch.

These models also have a limited slip rear differential to further improve off-road traction.

4WD models are priced from $37,590 for the Freestyle Cab Chassis with manual transmission.

Dual Cab models are priced from $32,090 for the two-wheel drive model and from $39,090 for the four-wheel drive variant.

A bull bar is available on all 4WD models and all Dual Cabs can also be optioned with a stylish and practical canopy.

While all V6 models come standard with an engine immobiliser, the range-topping SDX 4WD models, which are priced from $40,840, also add an anti-theft alarm as standard.

"The V6 adds an important high-power option to our commercial range, giving the Bravo an extra dimension whether it's used for work or play, said Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson.

"Having the V6 option will make the Bravo more attractive to customers looking for a tough commercial work truck and a comfortable, well equipped weekend family-friendly vehicle.

"And offering standard air conditioning and the five-speed automatic transmission at manual prices cements the Bravo as great value".

The Bravo V6 is the most powerful Bravo offered by Mazda with the 4.0-litre engine using a 12-valve single overhead camshaft per bank and fuel injection to deliver the 154kW at 5250rpm and 323Nm of torque at 3000rpm using regular unleaded.

The engine is Euro Step III compliant and features a two stage variable induction system which maximizes intake length at low to mid engine speed (below 4000rpm) and shortens it at high engine revs, boosting torque and power delivery while benefiting economy.

The V6, which has a balancer shaft to help deliver maximum refinement, uses as little as 13.5L/100km on the combined 81/01 Government fuel cycle. A large 85 litre fuel tank is standard.

Combining strong on road dynamics with impressive off-road ability the Bravo V6 uses a double wishbone front suspension with torsion bar and a tough leaf sprung setup with double acting shock absorbers at the rear.

Braking performance has been upgraded with the front discs increasing from 274mm to 289mm, while the rear drums are larger than on the four-cylinder petrol and diesel models.

Bravo V6 is offered in 10 colours -; 3 solid and seven metallics.

Mazda Australia expects to sell up to 100 V6 models a month and expects to sell 6000 Bravos this year and about 6500 in 2006.

All Mazda Bravo models are protected by a two-year, unlimited kilometer warranty or a three years/100,000km warranty.

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