by The End of Mazda CX-3 Production
After more than a decade on the market, one of Mazda’s smallest and most recognizable vehicles is approaching its finale. The CX-3, which debuted in 2015 and continued to be sold in some regions of the world, is ending its journey sooner than expected. Production for the Japanese market will officially cease at the end of this month.
It was previously reported that CX-3 production would end in March, but these deadlines have changed. Mazda’s Japanese website states that “domestic market production” of the CX-3 will cease this month, but it does not mention whether production for overseas markets will also stop. This omission leaves room for interpretation, but it is logical to assume that global production will cease shortly.
Domestic market production of the CX-3 will cease this month.
Currently, all CX-3s sold in Japan are supplied from Mazda’s production facility in Thailand. The same plant supplies other markets, along with a second facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. Therefore, while the Japanese deadlines are officially confirmed, the international situation is likely to be similar.
Model Status and the Future of Mazda’s Small Cars
The CX-3 was long one of Mazda’s most important models, but with age it has become extremely outdated, especially compared to the latest generation of Mazda SUVs, such as the new CX-5, as well as the CX-50, CX-60, and CX-80. Mazda discontinued CX-3 sales in the USA in 2021, replacing it with the more modern CX-30.
The CX-3 is not the only compact Mazda car ending its life cycle. It is reported that the Mazda2 will also be discontinued this year, likely by June.
For fans of Mazda’s small cars, there is good news. A completely new Mazda2, inspired by the Vision X-Compact concept presented last year, could appear on the market as early as 2027, bringing fresh design and modern technology. A small SUV based on this future Mazda2, which will become the successor to the CX-3, is most likely to appear shortly thereafter.
The Expected Successor
Last year, sketches appeared that seem to depict the future CX-3. They show a car with headlights similar to the new ones on the CX-5, while retaining the cute shape of the previous model. This model will likely be named the CX-20 when it hits the market.
The discontinuation of models like the CX-3 and Mazda2 reflects a general trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are reorienting towards more modern platforms and electric vehicle technologies. However, Mazda has demonstrated that it remains true to its philosophy of creating quality and attractive cars, even in the compact segment. Future novelties, such as the expected CX-20, may combine the brand’s familiar emotional appeal with new technologies that meet the demands of the time. This indicates that the company is not abandoning the small car market, but is only preparing it for the next, more modern chapter.
