Mazda is a company that’s pushing to differentiate itself from the competition by moving upmarket with premium offerings. Bermaz Auto Philippines, the automaker’s official distributor, has just launched its “2022 Premium Collection” which sounds more like a fashion catalog.

But instead of Mazda-themed apparel, we were surprised with the introduction of a mild-hybrid powertrain, and updates to its entry-level offerings.

Let’s start off with the humble 2, which will now only be offered as a hatchback. It receives new headlights, LED DRLs, and blacked-out 16-inch wheels. The interior gets larger upgrades, where the fabric seats are swapped out for dark-blue leather seats. There are a few gadgets now like a wireless charging pad, a heads-up display, and even wireless Apple CarPlay—features only seen in more expensive vehicles.

It still has the same 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine with an output of 108hp and 141Nm, so it’s similar performance-wise to the outgoing model. But it’s now safer with six airbags and i-Activsense safety tech, like Front and Rear Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert.

Meanwhile, the CX-3’s updates are minor. It’s available in Sport and Elegance variants, both powered by the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine good for 148hp and 195Nm.

The former receives a gray grille, body-colored side mirrors, and black leatherette seats (with fabric inserts), while the latter differentiates itself with a gloss-black grille and side mirrors, and a white-and-tan leatherette interior. Both versions receive 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a keyless entry system, rear parking sensors, an updated head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay, and a seven-speaker Bose sound system.

Meanwhile, the 3 and the CX-30 receive much bigger updates. While the two may look visually similar to last year’s models, the biggest change is with the powertrain. For the first time in the Philippines, Mazda will be offering mild-hybrid engine options for these two models.

It’s called e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid, and it’s a massive improvement over the i-Eloop system found in the 3, the 6, and the MX-5, which is a capacitor-based regenerative braking setup that can power accessories which, in turn, lessens the load on the engine to save fuel.

The M Hybrid system uses a DC/DC converter, an Integrated Starter Generator, and a Regenerative Friction Brake Coordination system paired to a 24V lithium-ion battery. This system will not only provide power to the accessories, but it will also smoothen the shifting and the typically jerky engine start-stop system, and boost the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G’s total output to 162hp and 213Nm.

The top-of-the-line M Hybrid variants will retain the premium goodies offered like red leather seats (for the CX-30), Adaptive LED lighting, a 360° camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels in various colors.

Meanwhile, the non-hybrid Mazda 3 Sport variants will now come with the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine as standard. A 12-speaker Bose sound system and black leather upholstery are standard equipment as well, a nice touch that helps elevate the cabin experience. There’s also a new body color called Platinum Quartz, which will be available at no added cost.

See below the prices for Mazda’s 2022 vehicles:

• 2 Hatchback – P1,195,000
• CX-3 Sport – P1,490,000
• CX-3 Elegance – P1,490,000
• 3 Fastback Sport – P1,495,000
• 3 Sedan Sport – P1,495,000
• 3 Fastback M Hybrid – P1,695,000
• 3 Sedan M Hybrid – P1,695,000
• CX-30 M Hybrid – P1,990,000

These new vehicles will start to appear in all Mazda showrooms nationwide this December. With a good chunk of its lineup updated, it’s only a matter of time before we see the brand’s bigger offerings receive their respective upgrades.