2016 Mazda 3 revealed

Mazda has today announced a significantly updated Mazda 3 will hit Australian dealerships next month.

And while many car makers are hard at work on reducing driver input with autonomous driving technology, Mazda’s approach is to use the human element more effectively in a bid to enhance the entire driving experience.

The new Mazda3 will be the first in the range to come equipped with G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which introduces technology Mazda is calling Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics. GVC monitors the steering input from the driver and then adjusts the acceleration to optimise the vertical load on each wheel.

Mazda claims the benefits of the applied technology range from improve throttle response, more precise fuel injection and, more obviously, less passenger sway which results in the driver feeling more in tune with the vehicle.

Other updates include a new full-colour instrument panel which simultaneously displays information on the environment and the vehicle. The updated Mazda 3 sedan now boasts the firm’s Traffic Sign Recognition System, which is designed to read speed signs, no-entry and stop signs and alert the driver where necessary. Adaptive headlights – which respond to both speed and other road users, and either dim or brighten automatically – are also a feature.

Two new diesel engine options are now available alongside the 2.0L and 2.5L petrol engine models. The new variants also come with a six-speed auto or manual ‘box.

Although Mazda has just released the update in Japan, would-be owners in Australia will need to wait until the car’s official 28 July launch to learn what specs we’ll get on the updated model here.

The current Mazda 3, which trails Toyota’s Corolla as Australia’s second best-selling small car so far this year, already has over 18 percent of Australia’s new small car market, selling over 20,000 units in the first six months of 2016.

Mazda Australia’s Karla Leach pointed out that despite sitting behind the Corolla in overall sales, the Mazda 3 is the best-selling small car with private buyers: “[They] are our key market for the Mazda 3 and we’re looking forward to introducing big improvements to an already successful recipe.”

Find specifications, Mazda reviews, prices and compare the Mazda CX-3 with similar SUVs at WhichCar.com.au