Mazda slashes CX-3 range, ups prices

Mazda has dramatically slimmed down its CX-3 line-up, axing the available manual transmission and all-wheel drive and reshuffling the remainder of the line-up.

Instead of six trim levels and 13 variants in total, there are now just six different CX-3 variants. All feature front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda has also aligned the CX-3’s line-up with other models it sells like the Mazda 2.

The updated line-up goes on sale in September 2023.

All models now have wireless Apple CarPlay, along with wired Android Auto; power-folding exterior mirrors and remote window control are also now standard fitment on all CX-3s.

With no price-leader manual version anymore, the CX-3’s base price shoots up by $3290 to $26,800 before on-road costs for the new Sport.

Replacing the Neo Sport, it’s $1290 pricier than the outgoing trim level when equipped with an auto.

Mazda has added plenty of kit to justify the hike, however, with the Sport gaining 16-inch alloy wheels (replacing 16-inch steel wheels), blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The new Pure trim replaces the Maxx Sport, and adds LED headlights and tail lights with automatic high-beam, along with lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring and a head-up display.

The Evolve replaces the Maxx Sport LE and swaps 16-inch alloys for 18s with a machined finish, while also gaining front parking sensors. White leatherette and tan suede upholstery features in its cabin.

The Touring SP replaces the sTouring and features various cosmetic enhancements, including 18-inch black machined alloy wheels, a black painted roof, a black chrome wing, and a gloss black front grille.

Inside, it features black leather and Grand Luxe suede upholstery with blue highlights. Also standard are heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory. Adaptive cruise control with stop/go is also now standard.

The Akari is the only nameplate to carry over with the updated model, but it hasn’t been left untouched.

It gains a seven-speaker Bose sound system and 18-inch black machined alloy wheels.

Aero Grey paint joins the palette, which consists of Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey and Platinum Quartz metallic and Jet Black and Snowflake White Pearl mica finishes.

The Touring SP is only offered in Aero Grey, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Grey and Soul Red Crystal, all with a black roof.

Despite its age – the CX-3 first launched in 2015 – Mazda’s entry-level crossover is still a hot seller.

The company has sold 5325 examples to the end of April, accounting for almost a third of the overall light SUV segment in VFACTS and leaving the Kia Stonic (2159 sales) a distant second. Sales were up 53 per cent on the same period last year.

Pricing

2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Sport: $26,8002024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Pure: $29,300 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve: $31,050 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Touring SP: $34,300 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Akari: $38,620 (+$810)

All prices exclude on-road costs.