Japanese car maker Mazda has finally introduced its latest infotainment system to the 2024 Mazda 2 hatchback and CX-3 SUV – but it’s unclear when the technology added in its home market will come to Australia.

Four years after it debuted in the latest Mazda 3 hatch – and began to be rolled out to other Mazda Cars and SUVs – the company’s newest ‘Mazda Connect’ infotainment software has been added to the pint-sized Mazda 2 hatch and CX-3 city SUV.

The software runs on an 8.8-inch touchscreen, replacing the 7.0-inch screen in the current Mazda 2 and the 8.0-inch display of the outgoing CX-3 – which ran Mazda’s ageing MZD Connect software.

It is unclear if the system will now function as a touchscreen on the move, or if touch functionality will remain available only when at a standstill.

However, it is not clear if the upgrade will be brought to local showrooms in the short term, as Australian-delivered Mazda 2s and CX-3s are built in Thailand, rather than the Japanese-built and delivered models which have received the update.

A spokesperson from Mazda Australia told Drive the car-maker does not comment on future product plans.

Australian-delivered Mazda 2 examples also continue to miss out on wireless Apple CarPlay, with only wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.

In Japan, Mazda’s updated infotainment system now incorporates connected features including emergency SOS (deployed when a crash is detected), a breakdown service and theft notifications.

Additional changes to the Japanese-built Mazda 2 include a new ‘Sci-Fi’ exterior package, which adds lime green accents on the hatchback’s grille surround, wheel spokes, door mirror caps and rear spoiler.

As previously reported, the updated Thailand-produced Mazda 2 is currently arriving in Australian showrooms with price rises of up to $1200.

The 2023 Mazda CX-3 is due imminently with price rises of up to $2790 – now without the option of a manual transmission or all-wheel drive.