Mazda plans to keep the popular CX-3 nameplate alive in Australia, launching a second-generation version into production next year.

In its latest financial results briefing, the Japanese brand confirmed that the next-generation CX-3 compact SUV will roll off the line at the AutoAlliance Thailand facility.

This plant, a collaboration with Ford, already builds several models including the existing Mazda CX-3.

The company intends to secure a strong foothold in the volume market with this fresh addition.

Mazda first teased the design through sketches in 2025, alongside news of a 5 billion Baht (A$233.8 million) investment in its Thai operations for electrified compact SUVs.

The new CX-3 is expected to feature a mild-hybrid or full hybrid system, aligning with Mazda's pledge to introduce four hybrid models this decade - starting with the CX-5 in 2027.

At the announcement, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro stated: "The vehicles to be produced will be high performance compact SUVs that meet international standards, both in terms of environmental friendliness and hybrid technology."

The concept art depicts a compact, softly curved SUV with headlights resembling those on the updated CX-5, compact rounded rear lights, and Mazda branding spanning the tailgate.

Later, at the 2025 Tokyo motor show, Mazda unveiled the strikingly similar Vision X-Compact concept, hinting at a potential Mazda 2 successor.

The outgoing CX-3 continues to dominate in Australia, with 15,429 units sold last year - outpacing the Toyota Yaris Cross despite a 16.4 percent drop from 2024 - securing its spot as the top light SUV and Mazda's runner-up to the CX-5.

That said, the model has exited key regions: it ended sales in Europe and the US in 2021, and Japanese production wrapped up in February this year.

It persists in Southeast Asia and Mexico, where local assembly continues.

Mazda Australia has no plans to phase it out locally anytime soon.

"There are some articles floating around that [Mazda 2 and CX-3] are coming to an end, and I can confirm Mazda 2 and CX-3 will be in our portfolio this year, they’ll be in our portfolio next year, and it’s an important segment for us," Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi shared earlier this year.

"At some stage there could be replacements, but right here right now those two cars, those two nameplates, are here to stay in our portfolio because they will comply with [Australian Design Rules], they will continue to be manufactured in our Thailand facility, and therefore we have access to [them]."

Mazda’s global general manager for marketing and sales, Manabu Osuga, avoided specifics on replacing the current CX-3 or the 2014-launched Mazda 2.

"Whether we go with making the size [of the new vehicle] Mazda 2 equivalent or Mazda 3 equivalent, or we prioritise the price coverage, that is the discussion we are having [at a global level]," Osuga noted.

"So [I’m] not necessarily naming the successor of the Mazda 2 or CX-3, [but] our commitment is we will cover the customer base and consumers’ needs in the individual market."