A Malaysian consulate driver was stabbed and bashed to death with a hammer in Sydney today.

Road rage is a possible motive for the murder of the 43-year-old man who had become an Australian citizen and had lived in Sydney for about three years.

As he arrived at his home in Marion Street in Sydney's inner western suburb of Leichhardt just after midnight yesterday, witnesses saw two men chase the victim across the road.

"We do believe that there may have been a traffic accident... shortly before the attack occurred," acting Superintendent Shayne Woolbank was quoted by The Daily Telegraph as telling reporters at the scene today.

Asked if road rage was a motive for the attack, Supt Woolbank said: "It is one of the possibilities".

The attackers were last seen fleeing the scene in a black sedan. Emergency crews were called to help the man, a Malay, who died despite the efforts of police officers who performed CPR.

"At this stage, we believe he has sustained some stab wounds and also some bruises and contusions," Supt Woolbank said.

Police confirmed that a hammer may have been used in the attack.

"It was a very ferocious attack, there is no doubt about that," Supt Woolbank said.

Dr Mohd Nasir Abu Hassan, director of the Malaysian Students Department in Australia, described the man as a "very dear colleague" who was unlikely to get involved in fights.

The victim's name has yet to be released.

- Bernama