The Mazda 3 and CX-30 get a new mild-hybrid 2.5-liter engine in Japan
The fourth-generation Mazda 3 and the CX-30 are two cars that have remained mostly unchanged ever since they were introduced, and these two have aged quite gracefully thanks to the multiple incremental updates they’ve both received, usually with new bigger screens or updates to driving tech.
However, Mazda Japan has given these two crossovers a surprisingly big update by introducing a new engine choice for them in the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated e-Skyactiv-G (PY-VPH). Yes, other markets such as North America and Australia get 2.5-liter options (and even with turbocharging), but this is the first time that these two will be seeing the electrified versions, which was first seen in the updated CX-5.
READ: Mazda’s third-generation CX-5 glows up and loses its buttons
The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS) has been discontinued in Japan for the two, leaving only the base 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS) and the new 2.5-liter engine.
It comes with the M Hybrid mild-hybrid system, and has a higher power output of 179 horsepower and 238Nm of torque, and is available either with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual for the Mazda 3, and these two can be specced either with 2WD (front-wheel drive) or 4WD, for snowy climates.
Both cars also get the enhanced ADAS first seen in the CX-80 and CX-60, with adaptive LED headlights now with side marking lights and glare-free marker reflection reduction. The blind-spot monitoring gets a rear-exit warning, and the emergency lane keeping assistance now gets side-hazard avoidance, road keeping assist, and oncoming vehicle collision assist.
The smart brake support (autonomous emergency braking) now gets damage mitigation for oncoming vehicles, intersection accident avoidance, right-turn collision avoidance, and forward-moving approaching object detection, and support for motorcycle detection.
Other changes include new color options in Aero Gray Metallic and Zinc Green Metallic, and CX-30 exclusive changes get a new Air Edition trim with light gray trim and upholstery and blacked-out exterior trim, ventilated front seats, alongside a see-through view for the 360-degree camera, like on the CX-60 and CX-90.
The rest of the car remains unchanged, which can be a good or bad thing depending on whether you like how these models are currently like. Do you want Mazda Philippines to introduce the larger, electrified powertrains to the 3 and CX-30, or are you fine with the current powertrain offerings?
Photos from Mazda
