The Mazda 2 and Mazda CX-3 are related vehicles that have been around for quite some time now. One is a crossover of the other and both have been around since 2014 and 2015 respectively without a major generational update.
Instead, the brand has been keeping the two models fresh and appealing by giving incremental updates as well as stripped-down ‘Core‘ variants to bring the starting price point down. The Mazda 2 actually only just got a facelift which brought some interesting market-specific upgrades in the UK.
Now, both models are getting a major upgrade in terms of its infotainment system. Mazda’s two smallest offerings will get larger 8.8″ infotainment system in a ‘tablet’ style as before. This larger infotainment system comes with Mazda Connect, which debuted on the new Mazda 3 in 2018. The older system runs ‘MZD Connect’ on a 7″ capacitive touchscreen and you still get this in 2023 on some Mazda models, such as the 6 and MX-5.
Besides the new infotainment system, the Mazda 2 will get a new accent package which comes with funky contrasting colours on the wing mirror caps, spoiler, rim, bumper and front grille. There are also matched decals too.
This change will begin in Japan and will hopefully be reflected in other markets some time next year. A change like this indicates the brand is prepared to keep making the Mazda 2 and CX-3 for some time. Perhaps there isn’t enough of a reason to create a new generation model when resources need to be put into electric drivetrains and related platform technology.
In Japan, the new Mazda 2 will show up in December of this year while the Mazda CX-3 will be launched in February 2024. The Mazda 2 and CX-3 are both available with petrol and diesel options as well as the choice of a manual or automatic transmission. The CX-3 gets an all-wheel drive option too in Japan.
