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.
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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
