Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A Last HurrahThe Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 aren't exactly young models anymore. Those cars made their world premieres in late 2018 and 2019, respectively, so these are designs from the previous decade. Despite that, both are still competitive in their respective classes, and still good cars to this day.New generations for both cars are due eventually, and the second-gen CX-30 will be revealed by 2027. Despite the age, Mazda is still giving updates to its popular models, at least over in Japan. Think of it then as its last batch of upgrades before the redesigned versions.MazdaNew Engines Under the HoodIn Japan, the Mazda3 and CX-30 get new engines. It now gets the 2.5-liter mild-hybrid inherited from the Japanese-market CX-5, and it's possible these engines will serve as a transition before the redesigned models arrive, while also complying with Japan's new emissions regulations.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile specs have yet to be revealed, output is likely to be the same as the JDM CX-5. That means 176 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque driving either the front or all wheels, and yes, the Mazda 3 is also available with all-wheel drive over in its home market. Mazda Japan even offers the hatchback with a six-speed manual, surprising given that the Japanese market is predominantly automatic. From the outside, however, you'll be hard-pressed to spot the differences between the updated models and the ones currently sitting in showrooms.MazdaOther UpdatesAlong with the new hybrid engine, Mazda has added the base engines previously reserved for fleet market sales into the lineup. In the Mazda3, it's a 1.5-liter with 114 hp and 111 lb-ft, while the CX-30's base engine there is a 2.0-liter putting out 155 hp and 148 lb-ft. Not exactly the punchiest powertrains out there, but it does lower the entry point for both considerably.The advanced driver assists have also been enhanced, gaining features from the CX-60 and CX-80 (not available in the U.S). The blind spot monitoring gains a door exit warning, while the road sign recognition function can now read speed limits. Improvements to the adaptive headlights were also implemented, as well as an autonomous emergency braking system.Can we expect these changes for the North American models? If Mazda standardizes the new 2.5-liter hybrid worldwide, it's a strong possibility. That said, we're more likely to see the enhancements made to the driver assists in the U.S.MazdaThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
