Mazda CX-3 News

The chances of these top vehicles from Tokyo making it to Australia.

Mazda shrugs off challenges to its top-three placing in Australia, saying it is the least of its concerns.

Mazda’s next big thing isn’t going to be very large.

Mazda’s SUV revolution is kicking up a gear. The Japanese brand is preparing to launch a new version of its hyper-popular CX-3 small SUV. 

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.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.

Mazda seems back on track in 2025 for a bumper sales year.

Two of Mazda’s most prized models could be on the chopping block globally, according to a report out of Japan, potentially costing the brand almost 24,000 sales domestically.

Big screens and displays in cars can make interiors look modern and minimalist but what happens if they fail?

The car industry is based on constant model renewal. Cycles have been getting shorter and shorter, with the main industry settling on between six and eight years as the norm. 

Mazda has consolidated its CX-3 and Mazda2 ranges for 2025, while adding some safety and design upgrades in exchange for minor price rises.The Mazda CX-3 and 10 are getting on, having been launched nine and 10 years ago, respectively. Both will continue in their current guise for the foreseeable future, with no all-new models in the works.Despite its age, the CX-3 remains Mazda's second most popular model. For MY25, it is $920 dearer, at $30,370, before on-road costs.The entry point moves from Sport to Pure, with 18-inch machined alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.Those technologies are also allocated to the CX-3 Evolve, which adds fog lamps and keyless entry. It gets sportier 18-inch machine-black alloy wheels and black synthetic leather upholstery as well.Near the top of the range, the GT SP replaces the Touring SP grade and adds a seven-speaker Bose sound system. The top-spec Akari gets new 18-inch bright finish alloys.As before, the CX-3 continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that sends 110kW/195Nm to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.Unlike rivals such as the GWM Haval Jolion and Toyota Yaris Cross, there is no hybrid option.The updated Mazda2 range now starts at $26,990, before on-road costs, while the previous entry-level G15 Pure has been dropped.That means the option of a manual gearbox is gone and a six-speed automatic is now standard across the range.It is $620 more expensive than last year, and adds the same safety suite as the CX-3 range, as well as new 16-inch black metallic alloys.There is now only one other hatch option, the G15 GT, which is priced at $28,190, before on-road costs.The G15 GT is the only available in a sedan, which maintains the same price as the hatch.No changes have been made to the Mazda2's 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which sends 82kW/144Nm to the front wheels.Both models are on sale now.All prices are at before on-road costsAll prices are at before on-road costs