Mazda Australia has revealed the updated version of its 3 hatchback and sedan ahead of an on-sale date in July this year.
The company has simplified the line-up, axing all manual transmission variants as well as the mild-hybrid G20e Evolve and X20 Astina models.
This means the Mazda 3 range will be available only with the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre ‘Skyactiv G’ naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engines, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda 3 G20 models with the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine now receive cylinder deactivation and “other improvements to the combustion process” which are claimed to lower CO2 emissions without any compromise to performance or drivability.
Overseas models shown throughout
The Japanese carmaker claims fuel consumption for these G20 models has improved by five per cent, with the hatch claimed to consume 5.9L/100km and the sedan claimed to consume 5.8L/100km.
It’s expected all versions of the Mazda 3 will move to longer 15,000km service intervals (up from 10,000km) with this update.
There have also been upgrades to the Mazda 3’s in-car tech. G20 Touring grades and above now receive wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging and USB-C ports.
G25 GT grades and above also gain a larger 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system that’s already used on the CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9. There’s still no touch functionality though…
Entry-level G20 Pure and G20 Evolve variants can also receive the larger 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system instead of the existing 8.8-inch unit by optioning the Vision Technology package.
Finally, Ceramic Metallic exterior paint replaces Sonic Silver in the model’s eight-strong colour palette.
Mazda hasn’t detailed pricing for the updated 3 as of yet, but a price increase appears likely given the technology upgrades. The base price will also be higher given there will be no entry-level manual available.
The current Mazda 3 range starts at $27,160 before on-roads for the G20 Pure manual, and extends to $43,310 before on-roads for the X20 Astina automatic.
It’s likely the related CX-30 crossover will soon receive a similar set of updates for 2023.
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MORE: Everything Mazda 3
