Mazda’s best-selling light SUV is about to broaden its appeal with a comprehensive update that introduces new safety features, equipment enhancements and signature Mazda technology to the entire CX-3 model range.
For 2023, the line-up will comprise of the entry-level Sport, Pure, Evolve, Touring SP and range leading Akari grades. All grades gain a significant uplift in equipment in addition to their already ample specification lists.
The latest update also offers an exclusively front-drive focused line-up, all powered by the tractable four-cylinder Skyactiv-G (G20) petrol engine and paired with Mazda’s own Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.
Replacing Neo Sport trim, the new Sport specification adds a generous array of standard equipment over and above its forebear, including 16-inch alloy wheels (previously steel wheels), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Wireless Apple Carplay® is also added as standard across the range, along with wired Android™ Auto, auto-folding power mirrors and remote window control.
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) scans external mirrors' blind spots up to 50m behind your vehicle, while radars detect unseen vehicles to alert you of any potential hazardous lane changes.
*Stand across all grades
REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (RCTA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps you safely reverse out of any parking space by scanning your environment and alerting you to cars approaching from either side of your vehicle.
*Standard accross all grades
SMART CITY BRAKE SUPPORT (SCBS)
Smart City Brake Support Forward (SCBS-F) monitors the vehicle in front to assess the likelihood of a sollision when travelling between 4-80km/h. If there is a high risk, the system will warn you and brake automatically if needed. SCBS-R works with reverse speeds of 2-8km/h.
*Standard accross all grades
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) monitors road markings and alerts you if you 're straying from your lane when travelling over 65km/h.
*Standard on Pure grade and above
ADAPTIVE LED HEADLAMPS (ALH)
Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH) individually controls a number of LEDs to broaden visibility at low speeds, avoid dazzling others on high beam and extend vision at highway speeds.
*Standard on Akari only
Building on Sport is the CX-30 Pure, which replaces Maxx Sport and now offers highlights such as LED lights front and rear with Daytime Running Lights and High Beam Control (HBC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and a crisply presented heads-up display (HUD), enhancing safety and in-cabin comfort.
The generously equipped Evolve grade (superseding Maxx Sport LE) represents the mid-point of the model range, and now adds 18-inch machined alloy wheels (previously 16-inches) as well as front parking sensors. Premium white leatherette and tan suede upholstery adds unique character to the Evolve’s interior.
The CX-3 Touring SP (previously sTouring) introduces sportier styling with 18-inch black machined alloy wheels, a black painted roof and black leather and Grand Luxe suede interior with blue highlights. A black chrome signature wing and gloss black front grille are also new for 2023.
Inside the Touring SP, front seats with two-position memory function (driver), 10-way power adjustment (driver) and heating function are now fitted, while Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function is added to the existing Advanced keyless entry and Traffic Sign Recognition features.
At the very top of the range is the Mazda CX-3 Akari, which gains further luxury with immersive Bose ® premium audio featuring seven speakers and 18-inch black machined alloy wheels for 2023, in addition to the power sliding glass sunroof, 360-degree camera and adaptive LED headlights.
An attractive new Aero Grey paint hue also joins six other colours in a palette that can be specified regardless of grade, including Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic, Platinum Quartz Metallic, Jet Black Mica and Snowflake White Pearl Mica.
Aero Grey looks particularly striking when paired with the sleek contrasting black roof finish on CX-3 Touring SP models. Alternatively, Touring SP is available in Platinum Quartz Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic or Soul Red Crystal Metallic – all in conjunction with the black roof.
Commenting on the latest round of updates, Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director Mazda Australia said: “As the entry point into the Mazda SUV range, the CX-3 has a hugely important role to play. 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.”
The updated Mazda CX-3 will go on sale in September 2023.
