Mazda gives its CX-3 a facelift 22 | 08 | 2018
MAZDA HAS GIVEN its CX-3 a facelift and introduced a new 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine. The revised range goes on-sale at Scottish dealerships on August 31 with prices starting from £18,995. A new limited edition Sport Black+ goes on-sale on October 1. (Related: Two days, 1100kms and a Mazda CX-3)
Externally the styling tweaks are subtle, limited to a touched-up grille and darker pillar trims. The more significant changes are inside. (Related: Mazda updates best-selling CX-5)
The previous manual handbrake has been ditched in favour of a new electric version. The main benefit of this is to free up space for the repositioned infotainment controls, but there’s also a central armrest with a cubby space beneath it.
There’s now new padding in the front seats to make them more supportive, while those in the rear also get a folding centre armrest with cupholders. Refinement is improved thanks to thicker roof lining and sound insulation in the doors, plus revisions to the door sill trims and rear glazing. (Related: Roadtest — Mazda CX-3)
But it’s on the mechanical side where the biggest, most significant changes have been made.
The Mazda CX-3 has always been one of the most fun-to-drive mini-SUVs on the market; and now Mazda has made it even better by giving the springs, dampers and front anti roll bar an overhaul. That, allied to a revised steering system, means — certainly according to the engineers — the updated model rides and handles even better than the previous model.
In terms of engines, it’s pretty much as you were in terms of the petrol versions, with the 2.0-litre SkyActiv unit available as either 119bhp or 148bhp states of tune. The latest version though does include adjustments to the pistons and injectors — as was carried out previously on the CX-5 — to improve torque and real-world fuel economy.
The 1.5-litre diesel has been replaced by the larger, more efficient and cleaner 113bhp 1.8-litre. The diesel and the 119bhp petrol are front-wheel drive, while the 148bhp model is all-wheel drive only.
The Mazda CX-3 Sport Black+ will be limited to just 500 cars, and features a black leather interior, black roof spoiler, mirror caps and free of charge metallic paint.
Prices start at £18,995 for the SE Nav+ model with the lower-powered petrol engine, with the SE-L Nav+ costing an extra £1400. The 2.0-litre Sport Nav+ starts at £21,695, a premium of £1300. The range-topper is the 148bhp petrol Sport Nav+ Auto, which costs £24,995.
“Ever since its launch in 2015, the CX-3 has hit the right spot with our customers, and seen this small SUV become Mazda’s second best-selling car in Europe”, Mazda Motors UK managing director, Jeremy Thomson, said. “The 2018 model builds on this success with its well-considered updates.”
Related: 2019 Mazda MX-5 prices
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Jim McGill