Lightly Upgraded 2023 Mazda 3 Revealed In Japan

The fourth generation (chassis code: BP) Mazda 3 has been given a light refresh for its 2023 model year guise. Launched in its Japanese home market this week, where it is sold as the Axela, Mazda has added a new ‘Ceramic Metallic’ colour scheme and a series of upgraded on-board tech too.

Arguably the most significant upgrade on board is the upsized MZD Connect infotainment screen, which has grown from 8.8-inch to 10.25-inch. Complementing that are new and illuminated USB-C charging ports, as well as the addition of a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Mazda has also enhanced the model’s safety further by adding a new Inattentive Warning function. It detects when the driver is distracted, triggering an audible alarm plus a visual a warning message on the display. Besides that, the  Mazda3 can now detect additional obstacles up ahead, including pedestrians.

Also new on board is a MyMazda smartphone app-enabled remote ignition feature lifted from the new CX-60 crossover, and it’s now offered exclusively for automatic transmission variants of the Mazda 3. Lifted from the CX-60 too is the new My Mazda Car Care anti-theft system.

Apart from what we’ve just detailed, there aren’t any other revisions to note. Mechanically, things remain unchanged here too, whereby Mazda will continue offering the Mazda 3 with both its 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G 4-cyl petrol powertrains.

This lightly upgraded Mazda 3 is set to go on sale in Japan first starting June this year, followed by Australia in July. No word on when it will enter other markets, but we reckon it will hit Malaysian shores soon enough given the fact that the model is offered as a fully imported (CBU) unit from Japan presently.

Are you digging the lightly upgraded Mazda 3 then? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…