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Mazda’s popular but aging CX-3 is poised to adopt the brand’s latest electric and plug-in hybrid technology when its next generation lands in 2027, and with it, a more contemporary design.
In the form of fresh digital renders, Japan-based Bestcar has given us a unique insight into how the new CX-3’s design may evolve alongside its new powertrains.
Overall, the new generation hasn’t been envisioned as a radical departure from the current CX-3, with much of the popular small SUV’s silhouette and body shape following the same winning formula.
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That said, it adopts Mazda’s new design language as championed by the new EZ-60 electric sedan, with sharper LED headlights, a smaller, more angular front grille, and body-coloured front bumpers and panelling.
The changes are echoed at the rear with sleeker LED tail-lights, flat rear panelling, alternate M-A-Z-D-A badging and a body-coloured rear bumper.
Body-coloured panelling remains uniform along the side of the vehicle, replacing its predecessors black plastic wheel arches and housing newly designed alloy wheels.
Powertrain details of the upcoming CX-3 remain under wraps for now, however, as reported by BestCar, the CX-3 is expected to be offered in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric guises.
The former is expected to utilise Mazda’s revived rotary engine paired to a battery pack for a range-extender set-up, as is the case on Mazda’s MX-30 SUV sold in Japan.
Best known for its use on the two-door RX-7 coupe, rotary engines are favoured for their compact size and fewer moving parts, which equates to a smoother, quieter ride. Mazda believes that makes them ideal on a plug-in hybrid.
Production of the new CX-3 is poised to commence in 2027 at Mazda’s facility in Thailand, a growing production hub for the brand, with Australia all but certain to be a key market.
The current Mazda CX-3 was first launched in 2014 with sales commencing in Australia the following year.
Despite its decade-long tenure, the CX-3 remains one of Australia’s best-selling small SUVs, clocking some 4337 sales to March this year, comfortably outselling the Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Venue and Kia Stonic.
