Mazda CX-3 portfolio grows with new additions

MAZDA Australia has treated its smallest SUV offering, the CX-3, to an upgrade for 2021 with the pint-sized high-rider scoring more standard equipment across the range, two new variants and a fresh colour scheme to see in the new year.

As is usually the way with model updates, the CX-3’s entry price has risen but not as drastically as one might imagine – $180 – given the amount of extra kit on offer.

With the range now kicking off from $22,890 plus on-road costs for the manual Neo Sport, all variants have scored redesigned seats from the bigger CX-30, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, night time pedestrian detection for the smart city brake support system, enhanced auto high-beam sensitivity, new key fob and the option of ‘Polymetal Grey Metallic’ paintwork.

Existing standard equipment highlights on the entry-level variants include 16-inch steel wheels, power folding mirrors, black cloth upholstery, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, split folding rear seats, push-button start and a six-speaker audio system with DAB+ digital radio.

Above the Neo Sport still resides the Maxx Sport variants (from $24,890) which add a few extra goodies including 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, climate control, satellite navigation and a rear centre armrest.

Safety is also stepped up in the Maxx Sports with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Now sandwiched in the middle of the Maxx Sports and sTouring variants is the new Maxx Sport LE ($27,640) which takes all of the standard equipment of the Max Sports and adds exclusive tan and white suede-like/leatherette upholstery and unique 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Maxx Sport LE is distinguishable from the outside by its gloss black wing mirrors and grille, two features no other CX-3 has.

Compared to the regular Maxx Sports, the sTouring (from $29,090) adds bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, headlights and tail-lights, high beam control,

black Maztex and cloth upholstery, flip-up head-up display and advanced keyless entry.

Safety takes another step up here with driver attention alert, front parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning all added to the package.

Above the sTouring, the Akaris (from $34,190) go one step further with a power sunroof, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, front seat heating, leather upholstery, radar cruise control with stop and go function, 360-degree view monitor and adaptive LED headlamps.

At the top of the range is the Akari LE (from $36,690) and 100^th Anniversary Special Edition ($37,690) with the latter being limited to just 70 units nationally.

Compared to the regular Akari, the LE adds ‘bright-finished’ alloy wheels, ‘Dark Russet’ Nappa leather upholstery, centre console and armrests as well as ‘pure white’ metallic air-vent rings and trim inserts.

Also based on the Akari trim level, the 100^th Anniversary Special Editions are adorned in an exclusive ‘Snowflake White Pearl Mica’ paintwork, complemented inside the cabin by burgundy leather upholstery and unique badging/embossing.

Under the bonnet of all CX-3s is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 110kW of power and 195Nm of torque which is sent to either the front or all four wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Claimed fuel economy on the combined cycle is rated at between 6.3 and 6.7 litres per 100km depending on the variant and powertrain configuration.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said it was the CX-3’s “eye-catching design, ergonomic cabin layout and strong features list” that had “ensured its popularity in the Australian market, with the CX-3 taking a 48.5 per cent stranglehold on the light SUV segment last year.

“The Mazda CX-3 has long enjoyed segment leadership in the light SUV category,” he said.

“Now with the latest updates including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, not to mention key safety enhancements and refreshed colour and upholstery options, the CX-3 is sure to continue its sales success into 2021.”

2021 Mazda CX-3 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs