Mazda 3 and CX-30 gain more tech – and prices rises of up to $1000

The Mazda CX-30 small SUV range has been expanded with two new model grades, while both it and the Mazda 3 small hatch and sedan have gained additional driver-assistance tech and other extra standard equipment, with prices rising by up to $1000.

The CX-30 is Mazda Australia’s third-best selling model year-to-date, behind the new-generation CX-5 mid-size SUV, which arrived in recent monthsthis year, and the aged but still hot-selling CX-3 light SUV, which was introduced in 2015.

The changes largely mirror those recently rolled out in the UK, including new paint finishes, more safety tech and cabin upgrades. The CX-30 gains Zinc Green Metallic premium paint, a $595 option borrowed from the MX-5 sports car.

The expanded CX-30 range also brings new mid-spec G25 Evolve SP and G25 GT grades, bringing to 12 the number of variants powered by either ‘G20’ 2.0-litre or ‘G25’ 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.

The entry-level CX-30 G20 Pure FWD now starts at $34,760 before on-road costs, an increase of $400. The same increase applies to all Pure and Evolve versions, with Touring variants up $500, Astinas up $700 and the GT SP Vision costing $1000 more than before.

Petrol-powered rivals include the Honda HR-V priced from $32,900 drive-away, the Hyundai Kona from $33,950 plus on-roads, and the Subaru Crosstrek from $36,490 plus ORCs.

The new CX-30 G25 Evolve SP, priced from $42,360 plus ORCs, sits above the regular Evolve and comes with the larger 139kW/252Nm engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.

It includes 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss-black, with the same finish seen on the exterior mirror caps, roof rails and badging.

Inside, the seats feature black cloth upholstery with red stitching, which is also used on the centre console, armrest and dash.

The new CX-30 G25 GT, also front-wheel drive, is priced at $45,360 plus ORCs. It includes silver 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and badging, while the interior features black leather trim, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a glass sunroof.

Mazda’s Vision Technology package is now standard across all G25-powered models. It brings a 360-degree camera with a ‘see-through’ transparent view, Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS), Driver Monitoring, front parking sensors, and Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), plus Front Cross Traffic Brake (FCTB) for the first time.

The Vision Technology package was already available on the CX-30 G20 Touring, but now also benefits from the addition of FCTB. G20 Touring variants comes with the 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine, paired with a six-speed auto and front-wheel drive.

Mazda says the Smart Brake Support (SBS) system, standard on every CX-30, can now detect motorcycles, potential head-on collisions and hazards when turning across traffic. Intersection collision avoidance assist is also now included on all models.

Additional equipment elsewhere in the CX-30 range includes white Maztex seat upholstery with grey inserts in the G25 GT SP, which shares the Evolve SP’s gloss-black exterior details.

This treatment appears similar to that of the Makoto special edition confirmed for the UK in early 2027, which is sold as the CX-30 Air Edition in Japan.

The G25 GT SP also introduces ventilated front seats to the CX-30 for the first time. These are also offered in the flagship Astina grades, including the range-topping G25 Astina AWD, now the only all-wheel drive version of the CX-30.

Further upgrades include keyless entry and push-button engine start as standard across the range, along with a 10.25-inch Mazda Connect screen. Entry-level grades previously had an 8.8-inch screen.

And importantly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is now standard for all grades.

The larger screen and wireless phone mirroring have also been confirmed for the Mazda 3 sedan and hatch lineup, which also benefits from the upgraded Smart Brake Support system.

Starting at $31,910 plus ORCs, the Mazda 3 now costs between $200 and $300 more than before, although it remains cheaper than the Kia K4 which starts at $32,090, and the Toyota Corolla hybrid hatch which starts at $32,585 following recent price increases.

Both the Mazda 3 and CX-30 will be offered in the new Aero Grey finish, while Ceramic Metallic and Zircon Sand Metallic paint have been dropped. The CX-30 also gains the previously mentioned Zinc Green Metallic.

The current CX-30 has been on sale since 2020, with Mazda confirming plans to launch a new generation by March 2031.

Timing for a next-generation Mazda 3 remains unconfirmed, with a replacement not expected until at least 2028. The current model was introduced in 2019.

MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-30 showroom
MORE: Explore the Mazda 3 showroom