The Japanese brand’s focus will remain on the CX-5 and hybrid engines for now, meaning the next Mazda 2 and CX-3 might not surface until closer to 2030.
Mazda’s ageing CX-3 light SUV and Mazda 2 hatchback might have to soldier on for a few more years to come, as the 2026 CX-5, the brand’s first full-hybrid powertrain, and a global electric car take precedence.
Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said the brand is aware of ageing models in its line-up, but a plan has been put in place to prioritise higher-volume nameplates.
“Corporation globally provides all these products to different regions in certain parts of the world. Something like, Mazda 2, CX-3 sized is – in terms of segment – more critical than in other parts of the world,” Bhindi said.
“Mazda will provide options for all regions in segments where they see an opportunity.
MORE: Mazda 2 and CX-3 facing the axe in Japan – report
“Having said that, it can’t all happen at once, so the priority at this stage is: one, electrified technologies, but also SUVs.
“CX-5 was the next cab off the rank, and then there will be other things.
“At some stage, we will see future direction, whether it’s a replacement, whether something else comes about, I’m probably not at the liberty of commenting right now.”
The third-generation Mazda 2 light car is now 11 years old and counting, having entered production in mid-2014, while the related CX-3 SUV is not much younger sharing the same birth year.
MORE: 2027 Mazda CX-3 hybrid SUV hinted in design sketches
And while Mazda has been diligent with rolling updates over the past decade that have introduced new technologies like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and discontinuing diesel powertrain options, both models remain some of the oldest in their respective segments.
Despite their age, both nameplates are still proving popular with buyers.
The CX-3 remains the top-seller in the light SUV class, having notched 9514 sales to the end of July this year, leading newer rivals like the Nissan Juke (478) and Toyota Yaris Cross (6845).
The Mazda 2 however, is second-most popular in the light-car class, trailing the MG3 (5770) on 2659 new registrations so far this year, but leading the Suzuki Swift (2279) and Toyota Yaris (1816).
MORE: 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve review
A recent report has indicated Mazda could axe the Mazda 2 and CX-3 from its home Japanese market, but like with the Mazda 6, CX-8, MX-30, and CX-9 before them, Australia will likely keep fielding the nameplates until supply runs dry.
However, a design sketch of what could be the new CX-3 was also shown in Thailand earlier this year, as the Japanese brand invested heavily in the country for future production of electrified models.
What does all this mean? Mazda will likely have more to reveal on future plans for smaller models from next year after bringing the new CX-5 to market.
What is likely though, is that the new Mazda 2 and CX-3 will be heavy revisions of the current car and platform, potentially even with carryover engines, sat beneath all new sheet metal – similar to the 2026 CX-5.
The post New Mazda CX-3, Mazda 2 descend Japanese brand’s priority list appeared first on Drive.