Updated Mazda CX-3 priced for Oz

MAZDA is set to update its CX-3 light SUV range Down Under, the revised and simplified model range due here in September priced from $26,800 plus on-road costs – or $3290 more than the entry point to the outgoing line-up and $1290 more than the outgoing Neo Sport automatic.

The updated eight-year-old CX-3 range will include what Mazda Australia says is a “comprehensive update” comprising additional safety features and standard equipment, as well as applying “signature Mazda technology” to the entire range, which is now cut from 13 variants to just five.

All variants will now be offered exclusively in front-wheel drive format, and all are powered by a 110kW/195Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Manual transmissions and all-wheel drive variants will no longer be offered, while prices have jumped between $1290 and $2790 depending on grade.

For the quarter-three update, the CX-3 line-up will now comprise Sport, Pure, Evolve, Touring SP and Akari grades, with the Neo Sport entry-grade variant deleted from the range.

The new Sport base variant adds 16-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, auto-folding wing mirrors and remote window control to those features previously offered on the Neo Sport grade.

Building on the Sport is the CX-3 Pure, which replaces the Maxx Sport, and now includes LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights, automatic high beam, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and head-up display.

The CX-3 Evolve, which supersedes the Maxx Sport LE, adds 18-inch machined-face alloy wheels and front parking sensors, and is available with white leatherette or tan suede upholstery.

Replacing the sTouring grade is Touring SP, which adds sporty touches such as black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and roof, black leather and Grand Luxe suede upholstery with blue highlights, a black chrome signature wing and gloss black grille.

Further, the penultimate CX-3 variant receives a two-position memory and 10-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, front seat heaters and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.

The flagship CX-3 Akari gains a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system and 18-inch machined-face alloy wheels.

Mazda will offer the revised CX-3 range with a new Aero Grey paint finish that joins the existing choice of Soul Red, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Platinum Quartz, Jet Black and Snowflake White.

“As the entry point into the Mazda SUV range, the CX-3 has a hugely important role to play,” explained Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“At this price point, buyers expect understated styling, extensive safety features, high specification, and cutting-edge connectivity, which is exactly what our latest update delivers on.”

2023 Mazda CX-3 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.