Mazda 3 2022: more kit and new mild hybrid engine for Toyota Corolla rival

John Law

Contributor

Mazda has tweaked the 3 small car range for 2022 with more features for the base grade and the choice of a hybrid powertrain for the first time ever.

The 2022 Mazda 3 has received an update as we approach the final quarter of this year that brings some extra spec to the base grade and a hybrid option.

We expect there to be some price increases, though Mazda Australia is yet to release detailed pricing. The updated Mazda 3 is available to order now, with arrival times to be confirmed shortly.

The Mazda 3 goes hybrid

Mazda will offer the MX-30’s 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre G20e M Hybrid powertrain in mid-spec Mazda 3 Evolve hatch and sedan body styles

Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid 2021 engine bay — The Mazda 3 pick up the MX-30’s M Hybrid engine as an option for 2022.

The M Hybrid system uses a 24-volt electrical system to allow the engine start-stop system to function more efficiently.

Greater battery capacity means that accessories such as air conditioning can function for longer with the engine off. The car should also fire back into life more seamlessly as the driver eases off the brake pedal.

Unlike the 48V mild-hybrid system found in Mercedes-AMG products, Mazda’s system does not add any grunt to the G20e’s outputs. Instead, it retains the same 114kW/200Nm outputs as the normal G20.

Mazda 3 G25 Astina Hatch 2021-2 — A mild hybrid powertrain in the attractive Mazda 3 could be a strong seller.

Mazda has not released consumption figures for the G20e motor in the Mazda 3. The marque claims the hybrid system saves around 0.4L/100km in town when installed in the MX-30. So it’s unlikely the Mazda 3 G20e will rival a Toyota Corolla hybrid for efficiency.

Equipment levels are impressive, though. The G20e Evolve gets goodies like keyless entry, six-speed automatic transmission, auto-dimming mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels and power adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver.

Expect the Mazda 3 G20e Evolve to start somewhere north of the $30,790 (plus ORCs) currently asked for the G20 Evolve auto.

What else has changed for 2022?

Mazda 3 2022 Evolve SP-3 — There is a new grade for 2022, the G25 Evolve SP.

Mazda has added extra value to the base model G20 Pure, which currently costs $25,590 (plus ORCs) for the manual. The 2022 model will gain a leather-appointed steering wheel and shifter to up the cabin ambience and comfort in the base model.

The Vision Package is still optional on all grades but the Astina and includes a 360-degree monitor, driver monitoring, front parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise with stop & go. Mazda has also discontinued the $1,500 Vision pack on manual transmission models.

Meanwhile, Mazda will replace the G25 Evolve (currently from $30,190) with a sporty G25 Evolve SP. The SP adds racy red trim to the cloth upholstery, while the rest of the treatment mirrors the GT SP treatment of the Mazda 6. That means black 18-inch alloy wheels, mirror caps and grille.

Unfortunately, the new grade does not bring the turbo motor available in North America, but utilises the current 2.5-litre petrol engine with 139kW/252Nm.

Mazda 3 2022 Evolve SP-2 — The Evolve SP is available exclusively with the 2.5-litre engine and adds black exterior trim.

The range-topping Skyactiv X equipped X20 Astina differentiates itself from the regular Mazda 3 range with badging on the front fenders. Mazda has fettled with the X20 in other ways, updating the engine sound and ride comfort while dropping the manual transmission option.

There are some other less noticeable changes for 2022 with Mazda replacing Titanium Flash with Platinum Quartz metallic and removing the option of white leather specifically on the X20 Astina sedan.

Pricing and arrival times of the updated Mazda 3 will be confirmed shortly.