2023 Mazda 3 gains power boost, Australian plans not confirmed

Mazda has updated the 3 hatch and sedan in the United States and Japan with more power and greater efficiency – but, right now, there’s no news for Australia.

The 2023 Mazda 3 focuses on improvements under the bonnet, with North American variants – produced in Mexico, rather than Japan – fitted with the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, slightly increasing power to 142kW.

A spokesperson for Mazda’s local arm said the company had nothing to share on the updated models, following a recent price rise and the deletion of the 12-speaker Bose audio system from the mid-spec G25 GT.

5

Pictured: 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP

The increased power is a 3kW bump over the current unit, which produces 139kW and 252Nm. In addition, Mazda has equipped the petrol mill with upgraded cylinder deactivation technology to be “more efficient in specific operating conditions.”

In the United States, the cost for the Mazda 3 has increased for model-year 2023, as Mazda seeks to increase profits following a US$144.4 million (AU$204 million) operating loss in the first quarter of the Japanese financial calendar (April to June).

A turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine – as found in the Mazda 6, CX-5 and CX-9 – with 184kW and 434Nm is available in flagship North American variants, but remains unavailable to right-hand drive markets.

5

Meanwhile, the entry-level 2.0-litre engine has been discontinued from the Mazda 3 in the United States; however, it will remain in other markets, including Australia and Japan.

For model-year 2023, Japanese-spec variants have shifted exclusively to a mild-hybrid setup for the 2.0-litre engine, developing an identical 114kW and 200Nm (with a six-speed auto and front-wheel-drive) – which is optional in Australia, badged G20e, for a higher cost.

This change has extended to the CX-30 small SUV in Japan, while the mild-hybrid G20e powertrain is currently optional in Australia, as per the Mazda 3.

There are no additional features for the 2023 Mazda 3 and CX-30 in Japan.

5

Pictured: 2022 Mazda CX-30 G20e Evolve

Mazda claims the integrated 24-volt system allows for a quieter operation, while providing stronger acceleration and lower fuel consumption.

Locally, the Mazda 3 and CX-30 G20e yields a 0.2L/100km cut to the claimed fuel consumption, at 5.9L/100km for the 3 sedan, 6.0L/100km for the 3 hatch, and 6.3L/100km for the CX-30.

The lack of a manual option and higher cost in G20e form means Mazda is unlikely to make the powertrain standard in Australia, but an expanded range could be under consideration.

5

Currently, the G20e is exclusively available in Evolve trim for the Mazda 3 and CX-30, which also brings the Vision Technology safety package, keyless entry and a powered driver’s seat as standard.

It is priced from $33,340 before on-road costs in the Mazda 3 – $2250 higher than an automatic ‘regular’ G20 Evolve with the optional Vision Technology pack.

Stay tuned to Wheels for the latest updates on the 2023 Mazda 3 and 2023 Mazda CX-30 when local information emerges.