Mazda three update exposed ahead of August arrival

Styling, safety and drivetrain tweaks set for revised three sedan and hatch range.

Mazda has given us our very first taste of the updated version of their top-selling Mazda3 line-up, before its August one on-sale date.

Paired with the single pic seen here, Mazda’s local arm has confirmed that the fresh model is set for a range of design and equipment updates, along with the fresh G-Vectoring Control steering function previewed in the US recently.

Based on this photo, it shows up that all versions will get a tweaked nose, with larger headlights integrated into a fresh front bumper with revised openings, smaller secondary lighting, and a broader chrome grille framework that now resumes into the headlight housing.

Upper models also emerge to score revised trim patterns for their leather seats.

Also visible are revised 18-inch wheels with a shadow chrome finish similar to those used by GT versions of the MX-5 sports car.

These show up to be limited to upper-spec variants, while the lesser grades seem to proceed with the silver-finished 16-inch alloys used presently.

This is the very first global update for the third-generation Mazda3 after arriving locally in February 2014.

A release on the Japanese brand’s global website goes into more detail for versions available internationally, with a host of updates trickling down from last year’s Mazda6 facelift and the recently launched second-generation CX-9.

A fresh steering wheel headlines the list of interior upgrades, which includes revised presentation for the MZD Connect multimedia screen to improve legibility, and even adjusts screen brightness according to the seating position of electrified seats (where fitted).

The Three’s optional Brainy City Brake Support AEB system has been expanded to include rear sensors, and the i-Activesense active safety suite has been expanded to include speed, stop and no-entry sign recognition and alerts.

Versions with auto high-beams are now able to shield oncoming cars rather than switching off the high slats altogether.

The 1.5-litre turbo diesel used in the CX-3 has also been added to the Three’s international offerings, but is unlikely for Australia given the Two.2-litre model was deleted from the Australain range last month.

We will proceed updating our models with next-generation technologies based on our human-centered development philosophy, without concern for the timing of redesigns.

The subtle exterior tweaks are also accompanied by the availability of the fresh Machine Grey hero colour from the CX-9 and MX-5 RF display car, along with fresh blue and silver hues.

This is the very first global update for the third-generation Mazda3 after arriving locally in February 2014, with Australia also benefitting from minor spec and price switches twelve months later.

Mazda global boss Masamichi Kogai explains the relatively unique timing of the update, being three years after release unlike the typical two or four-year increments, as part of the brand’s continual drive to build loyalty from its customers.

“In order to do that, we will proceed updating our models with next-generation technologies based on our human-centered development philosophy, without concern for the timing of redesigns.”

Mazda Australia has confirmed that total local specifications will be confirmed on July 28.

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