Hybrid power coming to Mazda3 and CX-30

MAZDA Australia has announced a series of running updates for its upcoming MY22 CX-30 small SUV and Mazda3 small hatch/sedan ranges, headlined by the inclusion of the ‘G20e M Hybrid’ powertrain and sports-themed SP grades to their respective line-ups.

Due to arrive in November and December respectively, both line-ups will remain without the turbocharged all-wheel-drive flagships available in North America, and a local spokesperson told GoAuto there were no updates on that front.

In the meantime, each model line will gain one hybrid variant sharing its powertrain with the MX-30 crossover, meaning power and torque will be rated at 114kW and 200Nm with power sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

While the pricing and full specification details will be revealed closer to the models’ launches, Mazda has confirmed the hybrids will slot into their respective ranges as mid-spec ‘Evolve’ variants, meaning they should come with 8.8-inch infotainment screens, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, radar cruise control and cloth upholstery as well as the previously optional Vision Technology suite.

Focusing on the CX-30 range, the SP nameplate has been applied to the Touring trim, resulting in the new variant being badged ‘Touring SP Vision Technology’.

All three existing CX-30 powertrains – G20, G25 and G25 AWD – will be available in SP guise; the nameplate still denoting the inclusion of black wing mirrors and black 18-inch wheels as well as a burgundy leather seat upholstery.

By contrast, the Mazda3 SP is based on the Evolve trim level and will replace the G25 Evolve when it arrives with black 18-inch wheels, wing mirrors, grille and cloth upholstery featuring red contrast stitching.

A few other changes have been made elsewhere in the CX-30 and Mazda3 line-ups, with the base Pures gaining a leather steering wheel and gear shifter, improved ride and ‘engine sound’ for the Mazda3 X20 Astina – from which the manual transmission has also been dropped – and an expansion of the available colour palettes.

According to Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak, constant evolution and improvement is “fundamental to Mazda’s ethos”.

“It’s so important to pass on the benefits of new technologies to our customers as soon and as often as we can,” he said.

“These updates expand our range and product offering further, giving our customers more opportunity to find their perfect fit.”

Mazda has sold 9347 CX-30s and 10,682 Mazda3s so far this year ending August, accounting for 10.8 and 15.2 per cent of their respective segments.