Mazda adds premium touches to CX-3 Akari LE
MAZDA Australia has added a new flagship Akari LE variant to its popular CX-3 small SUV range, which adds a number of premium features over the regular Akari.
The new variant adds a $500 premium over the Akari and is offered in front- and all-wheel drive guises from $35,290 and $37,290 before on-road costs respectively.
The LE adds touches such as Dark Russet Nappa leather trim on the seats, while synthetic leather in the same colour is found on the centre console and armrests.
It is contrasted by Pure White synthetic leather panelling on the seats, doors and dash. The same colour is found around the dash-mounted air vents.
Outside, the LE gains unique 18-inch bright alloy wheels.
Mazda is offering the Akari LE exclusively with its 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine matched with the six-speed SkyActiv automatic transmission.
As with the regular Akari, the LE is offered with Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite that includes smart city brake support forward and reverse, emergency brake assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention alert, surround view monitor and adaptive cruise control with stop and go function
This is the second time Mazda has added a more upscale variant to one of its SUV line-ups.
In September, it introduced the Azami LE CX-9 seven-seat SUV that added luxury touches for a $1500 premium over the standard Azami, bringing the price to $66,490.
Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the LE builds on the recent CX-3 model year update that was rolled out in August.
“The recent update to Mazda CX-3 achieved a more refined SUV overall, with style, safety, performance and ride all elevated from entry right up to top grades,” he said.
“Akari LE further enhances the line-up further still, giving discerning customers more choice and the most stylish Mazda CX-3 yet.”
The Akari Le is on sale now and is available in five exterior hues – Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Jet Black Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Ceramic Metallic.
The CX-3 is holding on to second spot in the sub-$40,000 small SUV segment with 15,225 sales to the end of November, but it trails the ageing Mitsubishi ASX that has found 17,734 homes in the same period.
