UPDATE, August 4: 2022 Mazda 3 pricing up again

Mazda Australia has increased pricing for the 2022 Mazda 3 hatch and sedan by $500, following a previous $200 rise in recent months.

The latest change is the third price hike in the previous nine months for the current-generation Mazda 3, which launched in April 2019 at a significant $4500 premium over the top-selling previous-generation model.

As such, pricing for the small car has increased by $700 since November 2021, while the premium audio system fitted to the mid-spec G25 GT has been removed.

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Mazda has removed the 12-speaker Bose audio system from the 3 G25 GT due to the semiconductor chip shortage, with fitment now limited to Astina grades.

A spokesperson for Mazda Australia said the change is due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage, which continues to affect the entire automotive industry.

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“Global parts supply, factory closures and logistics issues continue to challenge automotive manufacturing, nevertheless we continue to work closely with our dealer partners to deliver customer orders as soon as possible,” they said.

“Customers are encouraged to speak directly with their dealer to confirm availability and delivery estimates for their model of choice.”

There have been no additional specification changes to the Mazda 3 following a minor update in late 2021, which brought the mild-hybrid G20e Evolve variant, sportier-looking G25 Evolve SP, new paint colours, and other minor improvements.

The Mazda 3 competes in the small car segment in Australia, with rivals including the Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato.

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2022 Mazda 3 pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

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2022 Mazda 3 features

G20 Pure

G20 Evolve, in addition to G20 Pure

G20e Evolve, in addition to G20 Evolve

G20 Touring, in addition to G20 Evolve

G25 Evolve SP, in addition to G20 Evolve

G25 GT, in addition to G25 Evolve SP

G25 Astina and X20 Astina, in addition to G25 GT

Vision Technology adds a 360-degree camera system, traffic jam assist, front-cross traffic alert, a driver monitoring camera and front parking sensors.

It is standard-fit on the G20e Evolve, G25 Astina and X20 Astina, and is available as a $1500 option on automatic G20 Pure, G20 Evolve, G20 Touring, G25 Evolve SP and G25 GT variants.

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Engine, drivetrain and fuel economy

Mazda offers four powertrain options for the 3, with three 2.0-litre units and a higher-capacity 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine.

G20 variants are fitted with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine, producing 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque.

It is matched with a six-speed manual or torque-converter automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels.

The G20e Evolve takes its technology from the MX-30 small SUV, combining the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a 24-volt mild-hybrid system, with an identical 114kW and 200Nm. It is auto-only.

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Those with a 2.5-litre under the bonnet – identified by the G25 prefix – have 139kW and 252Nm, with cylinder deactivation technology and six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

Meanwhile, the flagship powertrain in the X20 is a 2.0-litre supercharged four-cylinder unit with a 24-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 132kW of power and 224Nm of torque.

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As with the G20e, the X20 is exclusively available with an automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, the 2.5-litre turbo engine and all-wheel-drive remain unavailable to the Mazda 3 locally.

Fuel economy figures can be found in the table below:

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Safety

The entire Mazda 3 range is covered by a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2019. It has a 98 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for children, 81 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 76 per cent for safety assist.

Seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee) feature across the range.

Each variant includes the following active safety equipment as standard:

Vision Technology adds a 360-degree camera system, traffic jam assist, front-cross traffic alert, a driver monitoring camera and front parking sensors.

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Dimensions

In hatchback guise, the Mazda 3 has a wheelbase of 2725 millimetres, and is 4460mm long, 1795mm wide and 1435mm high.

The sedan shares the hatch’s wheelbase and width, but is slightly larger at 4660mm long and 1440mm tall.

The hatch has a claimed 295 litre boot capacity, expanding to 444L in the sedan.

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Warranty and servicing

As per the wider Mazda range, the 3 is covered by the brand’s five-year, unlimited kilometre factory warranty, along with a complimentary roadside assistance program over the same period.

In addition, Mazda offers five years of capped-priced servicing. It has 12-month or 10,000-kilometre service intervals, whichever occurs first.

Prices for each powertrain can be found below:

UPDATE: Polestar CarPlay rollout is complete

The over-the-air update bringing Apple CarPlay to Polestar models in Australia is finally complete, with the brand’s local spokesperson confirming on Friday the all owners now have version ‘P2.2’ of its Android Automotive operating system.

As noted below, the update adds wired (not wireless) Apple CarPlay for the Polestar 2 in Australia.

Android Auto is not offered, because the Google-based infotainment system offers the same features in a more specifically integrated interface.

July 28: Apple CarPlay over-the-air update rolling out for Australian owners

Volvo Car Australia has confirmed the local roll-out of its latest over-the-air software update for vehicles running the Google-built Android Automotive operating system.

As announced in June, the version 2.2 update – available to owners of the 2021/22 XC40 Recharge electric small SUV and 2022 XC60 medium SUV – revives Apple CarPlay compatibility for the vehicles.

A spokesperson for the brand told Wheels all model-year 2023 vehicles arriving from August will include the update as standard, including the updated S60, V60 Cross Country, XC90 and the facelifted, non-electric XC40.

Polestar has not officially confirmed the local availability of the remote software upgrade, but it is likely rolling out now for the Polestar 2 electric sedan.

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What about Android Auto?

Of note, only wired Apple CarPlay is offered, while there is no Android Auto due to the Google software base, effectively making the need for smartphone mirroring redundant for these users.

Our earlier story continues below.

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UPDATE: Polestar 2 announces CarPlay availability for overseas markets

For those Polestar- and Volvo-driving iPhone users keeping a close eye on developments in this story, Polestar has this week announced Carplay availability for overseas markets – although Australian timing for Polestar and Volvo is still to be confirmed.

That’s one step closer, at least.

A Polestar spokesperson told Wheels there was currently no news to be had on timing for ‘OTA 2.2’ (over-the-air update version 2.2). A Volvo spokesperson said their version was understood to still be “a couple of weeks” away from a global rollout, with the local update potentially coming some weeks after that.

We’ll update here when we know more.

The story to here: Polestar and Volvo confirm Carplay is coming

June 8

Volvo and Polestar models running the Google-built Android Automotive infotainment system will at last gain connectivity for Apple CarPlay, the stablemate brands have confirmed this week.

The news comes hot on the heels of a huge CarPlay announcement at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week, where the tech giant revealed an upgrade which will – where allowed by car makers – ’take over’ a vehicle’s entire infotainment interface (as shown below).

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Up to now, however, the use of Google’s Android Automotive as the base infotainment operating system in Polestar and new Volvo models has left iPhone users unable to run even the current, simpler version of CarPlay.

Thanks to an ‘over the air’ update due for Australian Polestar models at the end of June, Android Automotive will enable CarPlay, finally allowing iPhones to run on the centre display as intended.

Timing for Volvo models is less specific, with the brand’s local arm confirming only that it will land “in the next few weeks”.

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It’s unclear at this point if CarPlay connectivity will be wired or wireless, but the latter would seem likely.

Polestar and Volvo have also confirmed the upgraded “next generation” of Apple CarPlay will be offered, although, as Apple confirmed yesterday, that update is not scheduled to hit iPhones until the end of 2023.

Related video

Having spent past months testing under the gruelling arctic conditions of Arjeplog, Sweden, the Rolls-Royce Spectre – the brand’s first EV product – now enters second phase testing in France.

Expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, and already confirmed for Australia, Rolls-Royce says Spectre development is now approximately ’40 per cent’ complete, as it undergoes a further 625,000km of testing at Autodrome de Miramas and the roads of the French Riviera.

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The Spectre spearheads an ambitious EV plan for Rolls-Royce, having committed to becoming a fully electric brand by 2030.

Underpinning the Spectre is a new in-house aluminium spaceframe architecture, reinforced by steel sections, adorned in some of the largest-formed aluminium panels produced by the marque, yet.

The new bespoke platform also makes the Spectre the most rigid Rolls ever produced – said to be 30 per cent stiffer than existing Rolls-Royce cars. The bespoke platform, and EV powertrain, also allowed designers to form the most aerodynamic shape possible, yielding a drag coefficient of just 0.25, unprecedented for the marque.

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The advanced architecture and EV powertrain, naturally, demand more computing technologies. For that, Rolls-Royce says the new Spectre is the most connected and intelligent Rolls ever, boasting 141,200 sender-receiver relations – around three times as much as a typical combustion Rolls-Royce.

Quickened computing power allows the Spectre’s various systems to respond to a variety of factors including weather, driver inputs, vehicle status and road conditions. This has also allowed engineers to perfect the brand’s signature ‘magic carpet ride’.

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The Spectre utilises active roll stabilisation, which can dynamically stiffen, slacken, or even decouple adjustable sway bars entirely, depending on road and driving conditions to deliver the ultimate body control in any situation.

The Flagbearer system oversees all of the car’s dynamic system, including adaptive damping and four-wheel steering, combining with satellite navigation, to best predict the road ahead.

As the Rolls-Royce Spectre silently wafts towards production, the brand states that the ‘electric super coupe’ still has another one million kilometres to cover before the global testing programme is to be completed.

The first customer deliveries of Rolls-Royce’s first-ever electric car are expected in Q4 of 2023.

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Victoria Police will be on the look out for distracted and dangerous driving behaviour this weekend after five lives were tragically lost on state roads over the last week.

Two motorcyclists were killed in separate collisions on Friday night in Melbourne’s Docklands and in Cranbourne North, and a further three drivers were involved in fatal single-vehicle crashes between Friday night and Sunday afternoon in Burwood, Healesville, and Congupna.

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The five fatalities bring the number of lives lost on Victorian roads to 142 – which is 17 more deaths than the same time last year and higher than the five-year average of 132.

Police are particularly concerned about the increased risk to motorcyclists, with 31 lives lost this year – a 35 per cent rise on the five-year average of 23.

Pedestrians have accounted for 28 of the total number of deaths this year, which is 13 higher than the same time last year and a 40 per cent increase on the five-year average of 20.

Speed and distraction are among the key factors behind the fatal collisions, with police urging motorists to slow down and remain alert to help protect themselves and other road users.

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“Last weekend was nothing short of tragic – five lives were lost on Victorian roads,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing, Justin Goldsmith.

“We really need people to heed the warnings and think about what you’re doing when you take to the road or get behind the wheel.

“It sounds so simple, but slowing down, remaining alert and being considerate of other road users could really be the difference between saving your life, or someone else’s.

“We’ll do everything we can to reduce the amount of trauma on our roads, but we need all road users to do their bit too. It’s up to all of us.”

UPDATE, July 28: Porsche 911 GT3 RS to debut next month, less power than before

The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will be unveiled on August 18, the brand has announced.

As the track-orientated flagship of the 911 range, the teaser image reveals wild aerodynamic enhancements, with a massive two-tiered rear spoiler and larger bonnet vents.

However, Porsche has confirmed the 911 GT3 RS will share its 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine with the GT3, producing around 500PS (378kW).

The regular GT3 has 375kW, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a claimed 3.4-second 0-100km/h sprint time.

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A six-speed manual transmission could be offered for the new-generation GT3 RS; however, it is likely to remain an auto-only proposition, as with the outgoing model.

“The new 911 GT3 RS is even more optimised for track use than its predecessors,” said Andreas Preuninger, director of Porsche’s GT model line.

“The spontaneously responsive, high-revving four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine with approximately 500 PS has proven ideal for use at trackdays and club sport events.”

Stay tuned to Wheels on August 18 for the reveal of the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and check out our previous coverage below.

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UPDATE, June 29: Porsche 911 GT3 RS spied testing at the Nürburgring

Porsche has returned to the Nürburgring for further testing on its new 992-generation 911 GT3 RS.

The latest in a long line of flagship 911s, the upcoming GT3 was pictured last week on the outskirts of the Nordschleife, with Porsche applying minimal camouflage to disguise the yet-to-be-revealed RS.

Fast forward a few days and it has been spotted on-track at the Nürburgring by CarSpyMedia, coming up against BMW’s new M2 among other cars at the circuit in hot pursuit of the “standard” GT3’s 6:59.927 benchmark.

The story to here

June 22: Porsche 911 GT3 RS spotted without disguise

Porsche’s newest 911 GT3 RS has been spied without camouflage, leaving little to the imagination for the hardcore, track-focused model.

Based on the latest 992-generation Porsche 911, the upcoming GT3 RS builds on the already strong formula of the “standard” GT3, amplifying features such as the bonnet air vents, prominent front splitter and gigantic swan-neck rear spoiler.

Compared to the GT3, Weissach has turned it up to 11 for the RS’s aerodynamic package, with fins sticking out of the front bumper and behind the front and rear wheels to clean up the airflow, while vents on the front and rear guards help channel the air to the active rear wing.

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Those with keen eyes will also be able to spot a pair of fins on the roof just in front of the rear window, likely providing extra high-speed stability rather than acting as a roof-rack mounting system.

Looking underneath the car in low shots we can also see a number of fins on the floor, suggesting Porsche is aiming to gain more downforce than ever before by leaving no surface untouched.

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Power is expected to come from Porsche’s 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine, producing 375kW and 470Nm in GT3 guise – although it’s unlikely the six-speed manual gearbox will carry across, with the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK remaining.

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Those who can’t wait – or fork out the money – for an RS, can purchase the GT3 MR package from Porsche’s factory-backed skunkworks Manthey-Racing, which includes a number of upgrades that help reduce the GT3’s Nürburgring time by almost six seconds to a 6:49.656.

The 992 GT3 RS has big shoes to fill as the 911’s flagship grade, given the base GT3 took out this year’s MOTOR Performance Car of the Year award with a near-flawless performance across the five-day test.

UPDATE, July 2022: Fuel quality laws sped up by three years

Anthony Albanese’s Labor Government has put legislation in place to improve Australia’s Fuel Quality, bringing forward plans that were in place for 2027 to 2024.

Previously announced by the Morrison Government last year, subsidised facility upgrades at Australia’s two remaining refineries to produce cleaner fuel of 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur for unleaded petrol were going to come forward to 2024.

Though the new Government can’t claim all the credit for introducing the stricter deadline, it has made what was essentially just an idea a reality.

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure told Wheels: “This month, the Australian Government brought forward in legislation the 10ppm sulphur limit for all petrol sold in Australia from 2027 to 2024.

“The Fuel Quality Standards (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2022 brought forward the reduction in the petrol standard, which relates to 91 RON, 95 RON and 98 RON. The Fuel Quality Standards (Ethanol E85) Amendment Determination 2022 brought forward the reduction in the E85 standard.

“The previous Government announced an intention to bring forward the 10 ppm limit to 2024, however it did not make the required legislative changes to bring this into force.

“The extra two-and-a-half years of reduced sulphur in petrol will improve air quality, reducing health costs due to air pollution exposure by an estimated $840 million.”

The story to here

May 2021: Government plans to back local refineries

The Federal Government has today announced a plan to back Australia’s two remaining oil refineries with a new subsidy scheme to ensure the country doesn’t become 100 per cent dependent on imported fuel.

The Morrison Government has unveiled a $2 billion plan to prop up the two facilities in Geelong and Brisbane by offering up to 1.8 cents per litre of fuel they produce until 2030.

The ‘Fuel Security Service Payment’ would be linked to refining margins, meaning refineries would only be supported when the margin they make per barrel of oil falls to $7.30. The payment will decline to zero if margins increase to $10.20 per barrel.

The estimated $2 billion cost would be a worst-case scenario, assuming both the Viva refinery at Geelong and Ampol refinery at Lytton are paid the highest rate for the full nine years.

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Legislation will be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks with the aim of the payment being rolled out by the start of July.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government was taking immediate and decisive action to keep our domestic refineries operating.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to place immense pressure on our refineries and the many Australians employed in the fuel sector,” Minister Taylor said.

“The production payments will help the industry withstand the economic shock of this crisis, protecting local jobs and industry, bolstering our fuel security and shielding motorists from higher prices.”

To receive the payment, the two refineries must agree to continue to operate for the duration of the program and commit to an open book process as well as long-term self-help measures.

Experts have warned in recent months Australia is becoming increasingly reliant on imported refined fuel. Currently 90 per cent of the country’s fuel is imported from overseas.

“This is a key plank of our plan to secure Australia’s recovery from the pandemic and to prepare against any future crises,” added Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an interview with ABC.

“Shoring up our fuel security means protecting 1,250 jobs, giving certainty to key industries, and bolstering our national security.”

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In addition to measures designed to keep our remaining two refineries open, the scheme includes around $300million for infrastructure upgrades to improve fuel quality.

Welcoming the news, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said the plan was an “excellent opportunity” to improve the poor quality of Australian fuel standards, which rank among the worst in the world.

“The poor fuel standards in Australia relative to regions such as Europe and Asia have meant that some car companies have been unable to introduce some of the world’s best fuel efficient and environmentally friendly technologies to the Australian market,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said.

“We now have an excellent opportunity to align Australian fuel quality with the rest of the world, encourage the delivery of the latest engine technology and take further steps on the road to reducing CO2 emissions.”

From 2023, the Government’s plan is to subsidise facility upgrades which will enable the two remaining refineries to produce cleaner fuel to match the current world’s best practice of 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur for unleaded petrol by 2024.

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Under current regs, Australia’s premium unleaded can have up to 50ppm of sulphur, and regular unleaded can contain up to 150ppm of sulphur.

Subsequently Aussies are missing out on vehicles with more advanced petrol engines which produce lower emissions because manufacturers claim they can’t import them in large numbers due to the cars being optimised to run on premium unleaded with 10ppm of sulphur.

The lobby group for the oil industry, the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP), says it occasionally imports premium unleaded with 10ppm of sulphur bought at distress prices and blends it with Australia’s 50ppm fuel, bringing the sulphur content down to about 30 to 40ppm.

But carmakers argue it isn’t enough because they need to know exactly which fuel tankers have the lower sulphur fuel otherwise they could face expensive claims against customers’ warranties, or worse – engine failures.

The presence of sulphur in Australian-refined fuel impairs the performance of pollution-reduction technologies used in modern vehicles. The Singapore-based energy consultant, Stratas Advisors, last year ranked 100 countries by fuel quality, with Australia claiming 85th place.

Managing Director of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) Michael Bradley said: “Australia’s efforts to reduce noxious and greenhouse emissions from its vehicle fleet have been held back by the fact we’re being sold engine technologies designed for the fuel markets of Libya, Argentina, and Iraq.

“With the Government saying that our fuel quality challenges are soon to be solved, it is time to again seriously discuss the national policies required to drive Australia’s vehicle fleet transition.”

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Twenty years ago, Australia had eight refineries. Most have now closed and been converted into import terminals – increasing the country’s reliance on foreign oil supply.

The latest was the Altona Refinery in Melbourne which was announced in February 2021 and is due to close sometime this year. Until the Government’s announcement, the future of the Lytton Refinery in Brisbane had also been in doubt.

However just hours after the subsidy package was revealed, Ampol, which runs the Queensland facility, said it would remain open “subject to the government’s refining support package being successfully legislated as proposed”.

Last week, Chairman Steven Gregg told the Australian Financial Review it was still ‘‘a big if’’ whether Government support would be enough to keep its doors open.

The refinery subsidy announced today will see taxpayers pay refiners to clean up their fuel and it will maintain Australia’s refinery capacity, but the AAA says its impact on fuel security remains unclear.

“The Government should also be congratulated for avoiding a funding mechanism that required a new tax or increased prices at the bowser.

“But if we are to significantly improve Australian fuel security, we need an integrated approach to fuel production, storage, technology transition, energy diversification, and emissions reduction.

“Fuel security can be bought, but we should reflect upon our recent history of subsidised car manufacturing and the relative benefit of enabling local adoption of fuels and technologies with the potential to not only improve fuel security, but also offer Australians greater vehicle choice, cleaner air, and cheaper household bills.”

Speaking last year, when there were still four oil refineries in Australia, AIP CEO Paul Barrett said: “COVID19 has decimated fuel demand, there is a global oversupply of petroleum products, and current and forecast refiner margins are unsustainably low. Without support, the future of Australian refining cannot be assured.”

A history of oil refineries in Australia

Geelong Refinery, Geelong, VIC. 1954 – present.

Lytton Refinery, Brisbane, QLD. 1964 – present.

Altona Refinery, Melbourne, VIC. 1949 – 2021.

Kwinana Refinery, Freemantle, WA. 1955 – 2021.

Bulwar Island Refinery, Brisbane, QLD. 1965 – 2015.

Kurnell Refinery, Sydney, NSW. 1956 – 2014.

Clyde Refinery, Sydney, NSW. 1925 – 2012.

Port Stanvic Refinery, Adelaide, SA. 1963 – 2003.

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Ten organisations across Australia’s automotive industry have reached a historic agreement about how the country can best transition from internal combustion to electric vehicles.

The five national bodies – the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) – attended a summit this week, as well as the MTAA’s five member groups.

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The organisations represent thousands of businesses that; make, sell, distribute, provide novated leasing, service, repair, supply aftermarket parts, components, and accessories, dismantle, recycle, and train tens of thousands of automotive professionals.

Together they agreed: to back the mandating of CO2 emissions targets, rather than those aimed just at electric vehicles specifically, to support the Federal Government in developing an EV strategy, and opposed the introduction of bans that limit consumer choice and remove options for meeting car owners’ needs.

Hot topics also included EV infrastructure, upgrades to the grid, incentives/penalties, hydrogen as an alternative fuel source, improvements in fuel quality, and upskilling the workforce to adapt to new kinds of vehicles.

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Other items on the table were; considering the entire registered vehicle fleet and the needs and requirements of Australians who own and operate them, maintaining the safety, security, service, repair, and internal combustion engine vehicles, and lobbying for emissions targets and milestones to be nationally rather than state-based.

“This is a rare moment because the industry associations cover a lot of issues, but rarely agree on anything, but here is a unique circumstance. And I think it sends a powerful message to Government that it needs to get this right. Because the dangers of getting this wrong are enormous,” Tony Weber, Chief Executive of the FCAI, told Wheels.

“I’ve been in with the FCAI for 10 years. Never in that 10 years have I had such a useful session with those other industry associations where we all came and agreed about things. It gives a confidence that the automotive industry is going in the right direction here and the importance of actually educating Government and bringing it along for the betterment of the broader community.”

UPDATE, July 2022: Mazda CX-5 hit by parts shortage, prices up

Mazda has removed the hands-free function for the power tailgate found on the flagship CX-5 GT SP and Akera, due to the semiconductor chip shortage.

The ‘kick sensor’ was a new addition for the 2022 Mazda CX-5, which landed in Australia in March, with recently-produced examples of the affected models reverting to an electric tailgate with button-only access.

A spokesperson for Mazda Australia said the change is due to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage, which continues to affect the entire automotive industry.

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“Global parts supply, factory closures and logistics issues continue to challenge automotive manufacturing, nevertheless we continue to work closely with our dealer partners to deliver customer orders as soon as possible,” they said.

“Customers are encouraged to speak directly with their dealer to confirm availability and delivery estimates for their model of choice.”

In addition, pricing has increased by $200 across the range.

Wheels has now driven the refreshed Mazda CX-5. You can find our coverage at the link below, and watch our video by hitting the play button above.

Our earlier story, first published in January 2022, has been updated to reflect the new information and continues below.

The story to here: 2022 Mazda CX-5 pricing and features

January 5, 2022: Mazda has officially announced pricing and specification details for the facelifted 2022 CX-5.

The updated medium SUV is on sale now, with price rises of up to $1300 and a slew of additional equipment over the outgoing model.

First revealed in September, the refreshed CX-5 has picked up a revised external design inspired by the smaller CX-30 and not-for-Australia CX-50 SUVs.

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Along with the revised exterior, there is also a new rugged Touring Active grade and unique styling enhancements to the range-topping GT SP and Akera trims.

As first reported by Wheels in December, the update also sees the discontinuation of the familiar GT variant, as well as several AWD trims.

This includes the Maxx petrol AWD, Maxx Sport diesel AWD and Touring diesel AWD, with low customer sales understood to have led the decision.

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A new powertrain is also on offer, in the form of the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine, which is available in front-wheel-drive guise for the first time locally. This option is exclusive to the Maxx Sport, where it replaces the outgoing 2.0-litre mill.

Along with the retouched design and condensed line-up, other changes include; updated alloy wheel designs, steering and dynamic enhancements, NVH improvements, a new ‘S-shaped’ seat structure, the integration of fog lights into the headlamps, and an even-thinner space-saver spare wheel to cater for a newly adjustable rear cargo floor.

The refreshed CX-5 will be joined by the more-premium rear- and all-wheel-drive CX-60 later in 2022.

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2022 Mazda CX-5 Australian pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

2022 Mazda CX-5 features

Maxx

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Maxx Sport

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Touring

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Touring Active (new)

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GT SP

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Akera

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Engine, drivetrain and fuel economy

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Like the outgoing CX-5, engine options will comprise of naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol mills, as well as a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged diesel.

Exclusive to the Maxx variant is the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, producing 115kW of power and 200Nm of torque.

Stepping up to the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine – available on all CX-5 variants above the Maxx – sees power outputs rise to 140kW/252Nm.

The turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol further boosts numbers to 170kWk/420Nm, while the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel outputs 140kW/450Nm.

A six-speed manual or automatic transmission is available on the Maxx, with the latter gearbox standard across the remainder of the range.

Fuel economy figures can be found in the table below:

Warranty and servicing

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As per the wider Mazda range, the CX-5 is covered by the marque’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, along with a five-year roadside assistance program.

The service schedule for the CX-5 is 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first, regardless of powertrain. In addition, Mazda offers capped priced servicing on the CX-5, covering the first five-years or 50,000 kilometres.

Availability

The updated 2022 Mazda CX-5 is on sale now.

The fourth-generation 2023 Suzuki Swift has been spied for the first time, revealing an evolutionary design.

While the prototype seen here during hot-weather testing in Europe wears heavy camouflage, the proportions are akin to previous Swift models, with headlights and alloy wheels similar to the current generation version.

Suzuki has removed the ‘hidden’ rear door handles found on the current Swift, with the high-mounted design swapped out for conventional pull-out door handles.

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A likely reference to the first- and second-generation Swift is a boxier shape and a traditional C-pillar, with the current black plastic trim – designed to replicate a ‘floating roof’ – removed.

Up front, there is a larger grille and more-pronounced bonnet, with a similar headlight shape to previous Swifts, which have all featured mild redesigns between generations.

The new-generation Suzuki Swift is expected to be underpinned by an updated version of the current ‘Heartect’ platform, with changes to meet tougher safety standards in Europe.

Inside, the new Swift will likely adopt Suzuki’s latest technologies, such as a 9-inch infotainment system, larger instrument cluster display, wireless phone charger, head-up display and a 360-degree camera.

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The current Swift for the Australian market features an aftermarket 9-inch touchscreen display fitted locally, to ensure greater supply due to restricted availability for the brand’s proprietary 7-inch screen, which remains available overseas.

The new Swift is expected to adopt an identically-sized screen running Suzuki software, as seen on the recently-revealed Grand Vitara for the Indian market.

In Europe, the current Swift is offered with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system for the 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 61kW of power and 107Nm of torque with front- or all-wheel-drive.

Local examples do not feature any form of electrification, with a 66kW/120Nm version of the 1.2-litre mill or a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 82KW and 160Nm all that is available.

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The marque also offers the flagship Swift Sport, which features a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 103kW and 230Nm.

A mild-hybrid version of the Swift Sport is offered in Europe with 95kW and 235Nm.

The next-generation version is expected to retain these powertrains; however, it is unclear if the 1.0-litre three-pot found in the current GLX Turbo will continue.

The 2023 Suzuki Swift is tipped to debut in the coming months, with an Australian launch likely by the end of 2023.

Below: the current Swift

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Mini has revealed the Aceman Concept, a small SUV designed to preview an all-electric production model set to launch in 2024.

The forthcoming model will slot between the next-generation Mini hatchback and the upcoming third-generation Mini Countryman, which is expected to grow further in size.

Providing our first look at the brand’s new design langage – dubbed ‘Charismaric Simplicity’ – the Mini Aceman Concept sees traditional materials, such as leather and chrome, replaced with different textures and knits.

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“We have reworked all the classic Mini cues, but have completely done away with chrome for the exterior,” said Oliver Heilmer, head of design at Mini.

“We wanted a cleaner and more contemporary look that would appeal equally to younger and older buyers alike.”

The vehicle has a two-tone finish, with a unique Icy Sunglow Green colour and British Racing Green on the roof.

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Mini has provided no technical specifications for the Aceman, but it has confirmed it measures 4050mm long, 1990mm wide and 1590mm high – 247mm shorter than a current Countryman, but 177mm wider and 33mm taller.

Up front, the Mini Aceman Concept sports an evolution of the brand’s current look, with a closed-off octagonal grille featuring dynamic LED illumination to show the Union Flag and a green outline, and angular matrix LED headlights.

When approaching the Aceman Concept, the exterior lighting will track the owner and the vehicle will play a sound based on the person’s distance from the car, along with ‘winking’ headlights and advanced puddle lamps.

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Mini has installed clunky plastic body cladding across the side profile, along with frameless doors, rounded side mirrors and 20-inch alloy wheels.

A panoramic glass roof features, along with a bronze-coloured, Union Jack-shaped roof rack up top.

Mini’s signature Union Jack tail lights remain at the rear, set inside a simplistic clamshell-style tailgate with black badging.

Inside, there is a minimalist look, with a slim circular OLED display in the centre of the dashboard – with no instrument cluster ahead of the driver, akin to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

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A similar unit is expected to feature in the new-generation Mini Cooper SE electric hatch.

However, a panel of physical buttons are found below the monitor, including the start/stop button, gear selector and parking brake toggle.

The infotainment screen in the production vehicle will run on an updated version of the Mini Operating System, based on the Android Automotive open-source software.

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This shift to an Android-based infotainment system was recently announced by the BMW Group, with the first models running the hybrid system set to launch next year.

The cabin has a “three-dimensional look”, with flat knit textile, velvet velour, and woven materials, along with embossed X and O graphics.

“In the interior of the MINI Concept Aceman, we have concentrated on a simplistic appearance in combination with premium materials and welcoming colours,” added Heilmer.

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The Mini Aceman Concept will be presented in-person at the 2022 Gamescom gaming conference in Cologne, Germany on August 23.

Mini has a slew of models currently under development, including the next-generation iterations of the classic Cooper Hatch and Countryman crossover.

As previously reported, the electric small SUV previewed by the Aceman is expected to be produced in China as part of the joint venture between the BMW Group and Great Wall Motor, alongside the electric Cooper SE.