2021 Mazda CX-3 pricing and specs detailed: Hyundai Venue, Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota Yaris Cross rival gets overdue tech upgrade

Mazda Australia has confirmed the CX-3 light SUV’s next update, with the MY21 version set to enter showrooms later this month with the overdue addition of range-wide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The Hyundai Venue, Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota Yaris Cross rival also gets redesigned front seats that improve the driver and passenger’s posture as well as a new key fob and fresh badging.

Furthermore, in addition to during the day, the CX-3’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system now also detects pedestrians at night, while its dusk-sensing headlights are even more sensitive to changing light conditions.

The Maxx Sport grade has also added an auto-dimming rearview mirror, while its next-up sTouring sibling has picked up lane departure warning and high-beam assist. Polymetal Grey metallic paintwork is also now an option for all variants of the light SUV.

That said, the upgrades come at a cost, with the entry-level Neo Sport grade up $180, while the aforementioned Maxx Sport and flagship Akari and Akari LE versions jumping $240. It’s the sTouring variants that have risen the most (+$250), though.

The CX-3’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system now detects pedestrians at night.

As such, the CX-3 line-up now starts from $22,890 plus on-road costs for the manual Neo Sport FWD and reaches $38,690 for the automatic Akari LED AWD (see full pricing table below).

New to the light SUV’s full-time range is the automatic Maxx Sport LE FWD, which commands a $750 premium over the Maxx Sport version it’s based upon, at $27,640.

Specifically, it adds gloss-black exterior trim, unique 16-inch alloy wheels and tan Grand Luxe suede and white Maztex leather upholstery.

And while it’s a limited edition of just 70 units, the long-promised automatic 100th Anniversary FWD is another new member of the CX-3 line-up.

Priced at $37,690, it costs $1500 more than the Akari variant it’s based upon but steps up with Snowflake White pearlescent paintwork, burgundy leather upholstery, embossed headrests and specific badging.

For reference, all versions of the CX-3 are powered by a 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque-converter automatic.

While the former transmission is only front-wheel drive, the latter comes with the grade-dependent option of all-wheel drive.

2021 Mazda CX-3 pricing before on-road costs