Mazda slashes CX-3 small SUV range to five variants, adding equipment but increasing prices too
An updated 2023 Mazda CX-3 will arrive in Australia from September, offering more safety and tech features but reducing the popular small SUV range to just five model grades – all priced higher by up to around $3000.
Following a minor update to the range in late 2022, the incoming upgrades will see the entry-level Mazda CX-3 Neo Sport (from $23,510) replaced by a CX-3 Sport starting at $26,800 plus on-road costs.
That marks an increase of $3290 for the ticket of entry to CX-3 compared to today’s range, which comprises 13 variants.
Currently offered with manual and automatic transmissions in front- and all-wheel drive layouts, the updated 2023 Mazda CX-3 portfolio will be only available in front-wheel drive, with a six-speed automatic transmission.
See below for the full price list.
Mazda’s ‘G20’ 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/195Nm) continues unchanged.
Offsetting the price rises, all CX-3 models are now fitted with alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay (and wired Android Auto) connectivity, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, remote window control and auto-folding power mirrors.
A new Aero Grey colour option has also been added to the menu.
Other headline features in the base-grade Mazda CX-3 Sport include 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch central touch-screen infotainment system with digital radio, keyless push-button start, an electric park brake with auto-hold function and rear parking sensors.
Next up is the Mazda CX-3 Pure (from $29,300), which replaces the Maxx Sport and carries higher-grade equipment such as LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights, not to mention auto high beam control.
Lane departure warning and driver attention alert systems are included, as is a head-up display.
The mid-spec Mazda CX-3 Evolve (from $31,050) replaces the Maxx Sport LE model grade and gains 18-inch machined alloy wheels and front parking sensors, while the cabin is tizzied up with white leatherette and tan suede upholstery.
Moving into upmarket territory is the Mazda CX-3 Touring SP (from $34,300) that supersedes the sTouring and boasts a raft of exterior styling upgrades including 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black-painted roof and gloss black front grille with a dark chrome signature wing.
The interior gets black leather upholstery with blue highlights and 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory function.
Safety upgrades for the Mazda CX-3 Touring SP include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function along with traffic sign recognition.
The flagship Mazda CX-3 Akari (from $38,620) has all the bells and whistles, such as a sliding glass sunroof, adaptive (swivelling) LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera and Bose premium audio system.
As well as the new Aero Grey exterior paint colour, the CX-3 palette includes Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic, Platinum Quartz Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Jet Black Mica and Snowflake White Pearl Mica.
The Mazda CX-3 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years’ roadside assistance.
Year to date, the compact Mazda holds a whopping 30 per cent share (5325 sales) of the light SUV segment, with sales increasing by more than 50 per cent thus far in 2023. Its closest rival in terms of sales is the Kia Stonic, which currently has a 12.2 per cent market share (2159 sales).
How much does the 2023 Mazda CX-3 cost?
Sport – $26,800
Pure – $29,300
Evolve – $31,050
Touring SP – $34,300
Akari – $38,620
* Pricing excludes on-road costs
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Keyword: Updated 2023 Mazda CX-3 pricing and specs