Mazda has dropped the pricey SkyActiv-X powertrain variant and all mild hybrid grades from its Mazda3 small car range as part of a model year update that ushers in tech upgrades and a more streamlined model range.
Mazda launched the innovative Skyactiv-X petrol engine to much fanfare in 2017, but it failed to appeal to a large number of buyers, making up less than one per cent of total Mazda3 sales Down Under.
The Skyactiv-X uses compression ignition tech and is a petrol engine that works like a diesel engine. It was claimed to have sprightly performance and diesel-like fuel economy, but the official fuel figure of 5.5 litres per 100km is only marginally better than the regular Mazda 2.0-litre engine.
While the powertrain will no longer be offered in Australia in the Mazda3 range, it will still be available in other markets.
However, Mazda Australia declined to comment on the future of the powertrain in the CX-30 small SUV range.
Up until now the Mazda3 X20 Astina with the Skyactiv-X engine was the flagship of the range, with a $43,310 before on-road costs price tag.
Another change is the removal of the six-speed manual gearbox from the range. This was previously offered on almost all grades, but as it represented about three per cent of total sales.
Pricing is unconfirmed and will land in mid-May, but expect the 3 to cop a price increase as part of the model year update.
As part of the update, Mazda has tweaked the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine to include cylinder deactivation technology, and other improvements to the combustion process, which has aided CO2 emissions and helped lower the official fuel economy figure by 0.1L to 5.8L/100km.
Inside, the G20 Touring gains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless device charging and USB-C ports.
Grades from the G25 GT and above gain a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, up from the 8.8-inch unit available since the model launched in 2019. This is offered as part of a Vision Technology option pack for the G20 Pure and Evolve.
The only other change is a new colour – Ceramic Metallic – which replaces Sonic Silver in the colour palette.
In the first three months of the year, Mazda has found homes for 2358 examples of the Mazda3, which is a 33.7 per cent drop compared with quarter one, 2022. In the shrinking sub-$40,00 small car segment, the Mazda3 is the third best-selling model behind the Hyundai i30 (5853) which now leads the segment, and the Toyota Corolla (5037).
Keyword: Hybrid halt! 2023 Mazda 3 small car range loses Skyactiv-X, mild hybrid engines, but what does the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla rival gain?