MAZDA has brought back a diesel engine option for its Mazda3.

The engine, a de-tuned version of the 2.2-litre diesel in the Mazda6, produces 110kW and 360Nm of torque (26kW and 40Nm less).

It is quicker and more frugal than the previous 2.0-litre diesel 3 and has a combined fuel consumption of 5.7litres/100km, making it Mazda's most fuel-efficient model.

Available in six-speed manual only, the diesel 3 costs $29,715 or $2870 more than the petrol Maxx Sport, which it is based on.

More favourable exchange rates have allowed Mazda to reverse an earlier decision not to bring the diesel in when the Mazda3 was updated earlier this year.