The Mazda2 supermini and its CX-3 SUV sibling have been around largely unchanged since 2014 but that didn’t stop the Japanese automaker from announcing one more update in their home country. The smallest members of the Mazda lineup gain a new infotainment system that now supports connected features alongside a series of minor model-year updates.
Starting with the new tech, the Mazda Connect system brings a larger 8.8-inch free-standing touchscreen display, while adding extra functionality. Owners will now be able to make emergency or advice calls, locate their vehicle, and control some of its features remotely from their smartphone. According to Mazda, the much-needed upgrade was requested by many of its customers. The new infotainment comes standard in the CX-3 but is optional on the lower trims of the Mazda2.
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The Mazda2 received its second facelift in early 2023, so it is surprising that the interior upgrades weren’t applied then. In any case, for 2024, the company introduced a new “Sci-Fi” package that can be optionally added to the BD and XD BD trims. For a cost of ¥116,600 ($786), the package brings lime green accents on the grille, wheel caps, and rear spoiler. Mazda recommends combining it with the Machine Gray Premium Metallic or Jet Black Mica exterior colors so that the lime green details stand out the most. Other changes in the local Mazda2 lineup are minor, including the removal of the 15 Sunlit Citrus trim, the expansion of the standard kit in the XD, and the addition of a body-colored roof (instead of black) on the Sport grades.
The Mazda CX-3 welcomes a new ‘Vivid Monotone” special edition, featuring an Aero Gray Metallic shade for the bodywork and a black finish for the roof, grille, 18-inch wheels, and plastic cladding. The interior gets colorful accents inspired by sportswear. Finally, Mazda engineers improved the power and torque figures of the CX-3’s 1.8-liter diesel engine, although the company didn’t get into specifics.
Predictably, both models got slightly more expensive compared to last year with pricing ranging between ¥1,548,800-2,622,400 ($10,447-17,688) for the Mazda2, and between ¥2,279,200-3,434,200 ($15,373-23,164) for the Mazda CX-3. Deliveries for the supermini are expected to commence in late December 2023, while the small SUV will follow in February 2024. It remains to be seen if Mazda will apply the same upgrades in export markets in the near future.
