2023 Mazda CX-3 price and specs: Update brings price rises up to $2790

The 2023 Mazda CX-3 has received an update with extra standard features as the company's smallest SUV enters its ninth year on sale, with no all-new model on the horizon.

The update for the CX-3 – which sees the model range slashed from 13 variants to five – brings more standard features to every variant, including a new-for-2023 premium stereo on the top-of-the-range model.

Prices have risen by between $1290 and $2790 across the range, and the base model – now with an automatic transmission as standard – is estimated to cost nearly $30,000 drive-away once on-road costs are included.

It is due in Australian showrooms in September 2023, as a Model Year 2023 vehicle, Mazda says.

All models in the updated range share a 2.0-litre 'G20' four-cylinder petrol engine with 110kW and 195Nm, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

It means the manual transmission – previously available on three of the 13 trim grades – has been axed, as well as the all-wheel-drive option on four of the six grades.

The Akari LE range-topping model has been deleted, and the five remaining trim grades upgraded and in most cases, renamed.

The Neo Sport has become the Sport, the Maxx Sport has become the Pure, the Maxx Sport LE has become the Evolve, and the sTouring has become the Touring SP, while the Akari retains its name.

For 2023, the Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels (replacing steel wheels), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, wireless Apple CarPlay (in addition to carry-over wired connectivity), and auto-folding functionality for the side mirrors.

The Pure (previously Maxx Sport) gains LED headlights and tail-lights, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and a head-up display.

The Evolve introduces 18-inch machined alloy wheels (replacing 16-inch wheels) and front parking sensors from higher model grades, with the Maxx Sport LE's white synthetic leather-look and tan synthetic suede-look seat upholstery carrying over.

The Touring has become a blacked-out 'SP' model for 2023, adding 18-inch black wheels, black finishes for the roof and grille, and black leather and synthetic suede-look seat trim with blue stitching.

Also new on the Touring SP is a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and adaptive cruise control from the outgoing Akari.

The top-of-the-range Akari adds a seven-speaker Bose premium sound system – new to the CX-3 range for 2023 – and retains the Touring SP's black alloys, rather than the old Akari's silver wheels.

The now-axed Akari LE added a unique chrome wheel finish, brown nappa leather seats, and white interior accents.

The eight-year-old CX-3 is the third-oldest model in Mazda showrooms today – behind only the related Mazda 2 city car (2014), and Mazda 6 mid-size sedan and wagon (2012) – and has not received a major update since it went on sale in March 2015.

There is no sign of a new-generation model in the next 18 months, if the lack of reports from publications of Japan are a guide. It is unclear if it is in line for a facelift similar to that given to its Mazda 2 hatch and sedan twins.

The 2023 Mazda CX-3 range is on sale now. A list of standard features and prices is below.

Note: All prices exclude on-road costs.