Top-selling light SUV gains extra features, new permanent variant and special-edition model
The Mazda CX-3 has received a significant boost for the New Year, adding value with new high-tech equipment for only a modest increase in price while introducing a new permanent variant and a special-edition 100th Anniversary model.
The headline changes include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring incorporated into the Mazda Connect infotainment system as standard across the range, while driver assist safety technology moves up a notch with Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) adding night-time pedestrian detection.
The automatic headlights have also been revised to be more sensitive to changing light conditions, which Mazda says further improves the functionality of the SCBS system.
Both the driver and front passenger in all 2021 Mazda CX-3 variants benefit from a new front seat design – as seen the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 – that is meant to reduce fatigue, Maxx Sport variants gain an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and the sTouring grade adds high beam control and lane departure warning to its active safety suite.
Priced from $27,640 plus on-road costs, the new permanent Maxx Sport LE model is an automatic-only front-wheel drive variant that carries a slightly higher specification to the regular Maxx Sport, including unique 16-inch alloy wheels, gloss black treatment to the grille and side mirror caps, and a Tan Grand Luxe suede-like material and Pure White Maztex leatherette upholstery finished with black piping.
Further up the line at $37,690 plus ORCs, the Mazda CX-3 100th Anniversary Special Edition is limited to just 70 units and features Snowflake White Pearl Mica paintwork, specific badging to the body sides, hub caps, key fobs and interior floor mats, and burgundy leather upholstery with embossed head restraints.
Mazda says the burgundy references the R360 – the Japanese car-maker’s first-ever passenger vehicle.
The anniversary edition is based on the top-spec Akari grade with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission.
Elsewhere, there’s a new exterior paint colour (Polymetal Grey Metallic), a new key fob design and some badging revisions common to all models that Mazda says is intended to keep the CX-3 – the top-selling light SUV in Australia – “up-to-date with a sophisticated edge”.
The updated 2021 Mazda CX-3 range is due to enter showrooms in late January, with prices starting at $22,890 plus ORCs for the Neo Sport front-drive manual. This represents a $180 increase over the equivalent outgoing variant.
There are no mechanical changes to the Mazda CX-3 range, with all variants powered by a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/195Nm) that drives through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive, linked to the auto, is also available on all grades bar the entry-level Neo Sport.
How much does the 2021 Mazda CX-3 cost?Neo Sport FWD (m) – $22,890 (+$180)Neo Sport FWD (a) – $24,890 (+$180)Maxx Sport FWD (m) – $24,890 (+$240)Maxx Sport FWD (a) – $26,890 (+$240)Maxx Sport LE FWD (a) – $27,640 (new)Maxx Sport AWD (a) – $28,890 (+$240)sTouring FWD (m) – $29,090 (+$250)sTouring FWD (a) – $31,090 (+$250)sTouring AWD (a) – $33,090 (+$250)Akari FWD (m) – $34,190 (+$240)Akari FWD (a) – $36,190 (+$240)Akari AWD (a) – $38,190 (+$240)Akari LE FWD (a) – $36,690 (+$240)Akari LE AWD (a) – $38,690 (+$240)100th Anniversary Special Edition FWD (a) – $37,690 (new)
* Prices exclude on-road costs
Keyword: Mazda CX-3 boosted with tech upgrade