Mazda makeovers
Two of the company’s small vehicles have been facelifted.
Two of Mazda’s small vehicles have been facelifted.
Both the CX-3 small SUV and the Mazda2 small hatchback have had their safety, driving dynamics and specification improved,
The CX-3 lineup has also been changed, with Mazda New Zealand deciding to discontinue the diesel models due to lack of demand. These models, which were available with GSX and Limited levels of specification, have been replaced by a frontwheel drive GSX Leather model with power seat adjustment and heated mirrors.
Only minor changes have been made to the CX-3’s exterior, but on the inside the vehicle gets a new steering wheel, new-look instruments, and the housing for the MZD Connect screen has been upgraded to piano black. The GSX and Limited models come with new full colour Active Driving Display with improved resolution and readability. The GSX Leather and Limited grades have power seat adjustment included with a two position memory function.
All CX-3 models also now have Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, which delivers unified control over steering and chassis systems by finely controlling engine torque based on steering and acceleration inputs. The result is improved handling and ride comfort for the driver and passengers across a range of driving conditions.
The model’s electric power steering has been retuned to provide feedback once the steering wheel is turned giving more precise control and more natural operation. Adjustments to the front and reverse dampers have enhanced driving stability and body roll characteristics.
Improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been achieved through changes to the engine mount and the use of better materials and insulation in the dashboard, floor mat area, tailgate, driveshaft bulge and boot trim.
From a safety perspective, the 2017 CX-3 picks up many of the i-Activesense technologies seen in the new Mazda3 and Mazda6 that are designed to assist in recognising hazards, avoiding crashes and reducing the severity of unavoidable accidents.
GSX, GSX Leather and Limited models all come with Advanced Smart City Brake Support – Forward (Advanced SCBS-F), Smart City Brake Support – Reverse (SCBS-R) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The Limited model also comes with Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Smart City Brake Support (SBS) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).
Meanwhile, the Mazda2 hatch receives some subtle changes to exterior design, including larger wrap-around side-turn lamps on exterior mirrors along with a powerfold function (manual on the GLX and automatic on GSX and Limited models).
GSX and Limited models also feature a shark fin antenna and a medium-grey grille garnish. The GSX has new gunmetal coloured 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Limited model’s alloys have a new silver colouring.
Mazda2 also gets a new steering wheel and updated instruments. On GSX and Limited models, the MZD connect screen housing features in Piano Black. The Limited model gets the new full-colour Active Driving Display as seen in the new Mazda3 and Mazda6.
Rear seat passengers benefit from the addition of rear air conducting ducts located below the front seats, as well as passenger assist grips to enable easier entry and exit from the vehicle. The GLX and GSX models feature black cloth trim while the Limited boasts a black leather trim.
G-Vectoring Control has been added across all models of the Mazda2 range, and electric power steering has been improved. Extra noise absorption materials have been installed in the engine bay, tailgate and windscreen areas to give the driver and passengers a quieter, smoother ride.
Advanced Smart City Brake Support – Forward (ASCBS-F) is now standard across the entire Mazda2 line-up. The Limited model also comes up with Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH), Smart City Brake Support -R (SCBS-R) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).