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New-generation versions of the Mazda 2 and CX-3 are on the cards, but still years away as Mazda prioritises other model lines.
Mazda is committed to small and affordable models in Australia, confirming new-generation versions of the Mazda 2 and CX-3, but they likely will not materialise before 2027.
This is despite markets around the world dropping the ageing models, including Japan recently discontinuing the CX-3 SUV and the UK dropping the in-house Mazda 2 but keeping the rebadged Toyota Yaris hybrid version.
Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said the brand’s local division will continue to stock the two models – both sourced from Thailand – for the foreseeable future.
“What they are doing in other markets, they would be doing it for different reasons, but these two products [Mazda 2 and CX-3] will be on offer ongoing this year,” Bhindi said.
“From Mazda Australia’s point of view, if Mazda Corporation are making these cars and they are available to us – and there’s demand or interest in it – we will work as hard as we can to make it available.”
Both the Mazda 2 and CX-3 share the same platform, which can be traced back to 2014 when the former first launched.
The models have had major updates since, tweaking styling and adding advanced safety technologies like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and dropping the diesel powertrain option in Australia.
However, after more than a decade on the road, the Mazda 2 and CX-3 are falling behind compared to newer rivals, especially those that offer hybrid and all-electric powertrains.
Bhindi said new-generation versions of Mazda’s smallest cars are being worked on, but the business is putting its focus elsewhere first.
“Absolutely, at some point there will be newer generation models, but … there is a priority list,” Bhindi said.
“Getting Large Platform [CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90], and then the CX-5 replacement, and then electrification technologies, so there is a need [to refresh Mazda 2 and CX-3].
“I mean, I wish we had endless R&D resources that could everything at once, but that’s not the case.”
A major hint at the direction of the new small cars is the Vision X-Compact concept revealed at last year’s Tokyo motor show.
Aside from the Kodo language design cues, and tachometer that hints at petrol or hybrid power, little else has been confirmed about the show car.
It is clearly meant to be an evolution of the current Mazda 2 and CX-3 however, with similar proportions and city-focused shape.
For now, the Mazda 2 and CX-3 continue to sell well in Australia, but are losing ground to newer rivals.
Last year, there were 4346 Mazda 2 customers (down 19 per cent) for second place in the light-car segment behind the MG 3 (8350 sales), while the CX-3 was the best-selling light SUV with 15,429 sales (down 16.4 per cent).
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
