An upgraded 2021 Mazda3 has been released in Japan, bringing more power for top-spec variants, plus updated suspension and additional technologies.
Mazda Australia is yet to confirm when, or indeed if, these changes will flow through to the popular small car Down Under, where the latest Mazda3 hatch was launched in March 2019, followed by the sedan in May 2019 and the SKYACTIV-X powered Mazda3 X20 Astina mild-hybrid in July this year.
For the Japanese domestic market, which often receives new technologies ahead of other markets, a major suspension update is claimed to bring enhanced dynamics by “improving the characteristics of coil springs and dampers across all variants”, says Mazda.
According to the Japanese manufacturer, the updated Mazda3’s suspension better suppresses road surface imperfections and improves not only handling but ride comfort.
Models motivated by the range-topping 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-X engine also receive a performance boost, taking outputs from 132kW of power and 224Nm of torque to 140kW/240Nm.
A software update for models powered by the same electrified powertrain is said to improve throttle responsiveness and controllability.
Interestingly, Mazda Japan says it may make the software update available to owners of existing SKYACTIV-X vehicles at no cost.
There’s no mention of any changes to the new generation Mazda3’s sharp exterior or interior styling, but the adaptive cruise control system in MY21 models is said to be smoother and more intuitive.