Mazda 2 and CX-3 updated with G-Vectoring Control

Mazda’s sweeping revisions for its entire range continues – the company has announced that it has revamped the Mazda 2 and CX-3 in Japan (where the former is sold as the Demio) with minor design changes plus a few new technological updates. The order books are opened starting today, with sales beginning on November 17.

Although the basic design of both cars hasn’t been touched, there have been a few small detail changes. On the 2, you’ll now find LED front fog lights with chrome trim, while the current body-coloured front grille trim on higher-spec models has been replaced with a grey metallic finish. Also new are revised LED indicators integrated to the side mirrors.

The CX-3 gets even more subtle changes – the base XD model now has LED headlights and 18-inch wheels, the same as the rest of the lineup. Both cars receive the new Machine Grey Metallic paint option that debuted on the CX-9, along with Eternal Blue Mica. The 2 also gains new Deep Crimson Mica and Sonic Silver Metallic options, while the CX-3 gets Snowflake White Pearl Mica for the first time.

Inside, both the 2 and the CX-3 benefit from a new, thinner three-spoke steering wheel, along with a revised instrument cluster that is clearer and more legible. Also added is a new full-colour head-up display, along with an optional 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function (which also saves the positioning and brightness of the HUD), a steering wheel heater and auto-folding wing mirrors on the CX-3.

Minor trim changes are exclusive to the 2. The range-topping 13S and XD Touring L Package now gets new pure white leather upholstery option (previously off-white) with red air vent trim, while the black leather upholstery option gains suede-like Grand Luxe trim. Meanwhile, the 13S and XD Touring models have revised fabric upholstery, and the 13S and XD models benefit from a new houndstooth fabric pattern.

Additionally, both models receive their own special edition models. The 2’s Tailored Brown variant adds quilted brown Grand Luxe upholstery and orange interior highlights, while the CX-3’s Noble Brown gets brown Nappa leather and Grand Luxe upholstery. Both cars can be distinguished from the outside through high-sheen dark-painted alloy wheels.

In Japan, the Mazda 2 soldiers on with the same 93 PS/123 Nm 1.3 litre direct-injected SkyActiv-G petrol engine and 105 PS/250 Nm 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel; the CX-3 is only available with the latter. Both are matched to a choice of six-speed SkyActiv-MT manual and SkyActiv-Drive automatic gearboxes, and are available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive forms.

The oil-burner receives refinements such as a Natural Sound Smoother piston pin damper and more finely-controlled fuel injection timing (Natural Sound Frequency Control) to reduce knock and engine vibration. The CX-3 also benefits from thicker rear windscreen glass and increased sound insulation.

In terms of safety, both cars are now available with adaptive LED headlights, Traffic Sign Recognition, pedestrian detection for the Advanced Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) – with a speed range that’s now increased to 4-100 km/h for vehicles and 10-100 km/h for pedestrians – and SCBS Reverse. The 2 also gains Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), which has been available on the CX-3 since the start.

Lastly, all new Mazda 2 and CX-3 models come with G-Vectoring Control system which modulates engine torque to optimise vertical load on each wheel, improving steering response and stability. The steering and suspension systems of both models have also been revised for improved ride and handling.

GALLERY: 2017 Mazda 2

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