2023 Mazda 3 update announced for Australia with tech upgrade, due July

The updated 2023 Mazda 3 is due in Australian showrooms in July with upgraded technology and features – but much of the model range is set to be culled.

Mazda's first major update for the current-generation Mazda 3 ushers in a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen on some models, alongside new tech features, and improved fuel efficiency for some models.

However, two of the four engines – the mild-hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder 'G20e' and innovative 2.0-litre supercharged mild-hybrid SkyActiv-X 'X20' – have been culled for the updated range.

The remaining non-hybrid engines – the 2.0-litre four-cylinder 'G20' and 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'G25' – are paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, as the six-speed manual gearbox has been axed.

Only five per cent of Mazda 3 sales were manuals last year, while the X20 accounted for less than one per cent, and the G20e accounted for less than four per cent of 2.0-litre engine sales.

Prices are expected to rise with the update to account for the new technology – at least on dearer models, which receive almost all of the changes.

The current Mazda 3 is priced from $27,160 plus on-road costs with a manual transmission, or $28,160 plus on-road costs with an automatic.

The headline upgrade is the availability of a 10.25-inch infotainment screen as standard on the G25 GT and Astina, or as part of the Vision Technology package on cheaper G20 Pure and G20 Evolve models.

It runs the same Mazda Connect software as the 8.8-inch screen previously standard across the range (and still standard on these models).

However, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now fitted to G20 Evolve models and above – in addition to wired – as well as wireless phone charging, and USB-C charging ports.

A new Ceramic Metallic colour replaces Sonic Silver on the palette of eight exterior finishes.

The 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder 'G20' petrol engine in cheaper models has been upgraded with cylinder deactivation and "other improvements to the combustion process" reducing CO2 emissions, and trimming claimed fuel economy by five per cent to 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the sedan, or 5.9L/100km for the hatch.

There are no changes listed for engine outputs, which are expected to remain 114kW and 200Nm – while the 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder 'G25' petrol engine is unchanged with outputs of 139kW and 252Nm.

The 2023 Mazda 3 update is due in Australian showrooms this July.