Tag Archives: Mazda

Mazda3 And CX-30 Get Mild Updates In Japan Including New Special Editions

After the Mazda CX-3 Super Edgy, the automaker announced a series of special trim levels of the Mazda3 and the CX-30 in Japan, alongside small updates on the e-SkyActiv X motor.

Those include tweaking the intake port and exhaust silencer of the gasoline engine to produce a richer sound for spicing up the driving experience during acceleration. Additionally, engineers have updated the gas pedal feel for a greater “sense of unity with the car”. As a refresher, the e-SkyActiv X is a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 183 hp (137 kW / 186 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque.

Read Also: Mazda3 And CX-30 Updated In Australia With MX-30’s Mild-Hybrid Powertrain

In terms of the new trim levels, the Smart Edition is available for models equipped with the e-Skyactiv X engine. It brings more comfort and safety equipment including an active driving display, smart brake support, high beam control system, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Meanwhile the Black Tone Edition, which is available for all powertrain variants of both models, is visually differentiated by the black 18-inch aluminum wheels, the gloss-black mirrors, and the red stitching inside the cabin.

Read Also: We Drive The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo, A Luxurious Performance Crossover For The Masses

The pictured Mazda CX-30 Black Tone Edition is fitted with optional aero components including the bumper and side-sill extensions.

Following the example of the more recent CX-30, all Mazda3 models get a new dimming turn signal which, according to Mazda, gives “a sense of life” in the car. Last but not least, the Platinum Quartz Metallic is a new color option for the Mazda3 and the CX-30, while the Polymetal Gray Metallic is added to the palette of the Mazda3 Sedan.

Orders for the mildly updated Mazda3 and CX-30 are open in Japan as of today, with vehicles arriving in dealerships in late November.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

Mazda6 And CX-3 Are Getting The Axe In America

It’s the end of the road for the Mazda6 and CX-3 as the Japanese automaker has announced both models will be dropped in the United States.

In a brief statement, Mazda said they were “proud of the performance, design, quality, and safety” the models contributed to the brand. However, consumer interests are evolving and the models no longer have a place in the company’s lineup.

The death of the Mazda6 isn’t terribly surprising, but its elimination is tragic nonetheless. That being said, it’s hard to fault Mazda as sales have fallen every year since 2015. At the time, the company sold 57,898 units in the United States but that number dropped to just 16,204 units last year. Even before the pandemic, sales plummeted to 21,524 units in 2019.

Also Read: 2021 Mazda6 Gains New Carbon Edition, Wireless Apple CarPlay

The CX-3, on the other hand, was simply a crossover-ified hatchback. While there’s nothing wrong with that, the model was only $1,260 cheaper than the larger and more powerful CX-30.

Sales were disappointing from the get-go as they peaked at 18,557 units in 2016, and then hovered around 16,500 units the next three years. However, sales dropped to 8,335 units in 2020. While the pandemic undoubtedly played a role in the decline, the arrival of the CX-30 likely resulted in cannibalization.

Regardless, Mazda’s U.S. lineup is getting significantly smaller and will now lack a mid-size sedan.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…