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2021 Mazda CX-30 updated in Japan, Australian potential unclear

Mazda has treated the 2021 Mazda CX-30 small SUV to an assortment of updates in Japan, though whether we'll see the changes flow over to Australian models next year remains unclear.


Mirroring updates introduced for the CX-30's Mazda 3 hatch and sedan sibling last month, the changes relevant to Australian buyers centre around the small SUV's breakthrough SkyActiv-X petrol engine.

An optimised spark-controlled compression-ignition system (SPCCI) system, revised engine and transmission control tuning and a more responsive supercharger have uncorked an additional 8kW of power and 16Nm of torque, boosting outputs from 132kW/224Nm to 140kW/240Nm.

However, the new figures are still overshadowed by the cheaper 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine offered on higher-spec Mazda CX-30 variants in Australia, which produces 1kW less (139kW), but develops 12Nm more twist (for a total of 252Nm).

Drive

Japanese-market 1.8-litre turbo-diesel models also score improved throttle response and revised 'combustion control', upping outputs from 85kW/270Nm to 95kW/270Nm, though this engine isn't sold – nor will it arrive at a later date – in Australia.

Matching its hatch and sedan twins, the CX-30's adaptive cruise control system has been retuned for smoother acceleration and deceleration, while the maximum speed of its traffic-jam assist function – which accelerates, brakes and keeps the vehicle in its lane, essentially enabling 'Level 2' semi-autonomous driving – has increased from 55km/h to "the high-speed range."

Other updates include the addition of a Japan-only '2020 World Car of the Year Top 3 Selection Commemorative' special edition, which celebrates the CX-30's placement among the finalists in the 2020 World Car of the Year awards with Soul Red Crystal metallic paint, burgundy leather trim, unique badging, 100th Anniversary logos embossed into the headrests, red centre caps and a "commemorative ornament".

The updated 2021 Mazda CX-30 is now on sale in Japan, priced from 2,392,500 yen (AU$30,400) to 3,713,600 yen (AU$47,100).

Drive

Will the updated 2021 Mazda CX-30 come to Australia?

Mazda Australia has yet to confirm whether the updates for CX-30 will make their way Down Under, a spokesperson telling Drive the updates remain limited to the Japanese market at this stage.

However, if history is any guide, expect the changes – specifically the uprated SkyActiv-X engine and revised safety systems – to flow across to Australian-delivered CX-30 models in the next six to nine months.

Drive
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Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

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