Updated Mazda CX-3 gains new diesel and petrol engines

In an era defined by electrification, the move away from diesel and downsizing, Mazda continues to take a different route. The updated Mazda CX-3 demonstrates this: alongside subtle styling revisions, it gains a new diesel engine and, for the first time in the UK market, a petrol unit.

That new engine is precisely the headline addition to the refreshed Mazda CX-3. With 1.8 litres and 115 hp, this powerplant replaces the 105 hp 1.5 SKYACTIV-D previously used by the CX-3, which until now had been the only engine offered with the Japanese model in this market.

Available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, the new 1.8 SKYACTIV-D can be paired with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Another change is that the CX-3 can now be specified with a petrol engine: a 121 hp 2.0-litre unit, always combined with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.

A very subtle refresh

As may already be clear, the major changes to the updated CX-3 are found beneath the bonnet. The model, introduced in 2015, retains virtually unchanged styling in this update. Exterior alterations are limited to a redesigned grille, rear light clusters, new 18-inch alloy wheels, Red Soul Crystal paint and Matrix LED headlights.

Changes inside are equally restrained. The electric parking brake is the most notable addition, featuring an auto-hold function. It replaces the manual handbrake, allowing Mazda to fit a new armrest on the centre console and a storage compartment underneath it.

Mazda also says it has revised the suspension and steering calibration to further enhance the dynamic abilities of its crossover. In safety terms, the facelift brings new i-ACTIVSENSE features, including a new traffic assist system that can be combined with the automatic gearbox, plus a more advanced version of Smart City Brake Support, which can now identify pedestrians at night.

Mazda CX-3 prices

The Mazda CX-3 will be offered in three trim levels: Evolve, Excellence and Advance. Of these, only the Advance trim can be selected with the petrol engine.

For diesel versions, prices range from €27,032 for a CX-3 with the manual gearbox, front-wheel drive and Evolve specification, to €48,343 for a Mazda CX-3 Excellence with the automatic gearbox, all-wheel drive, and the High Tecnology, Leather White and Navi equipment packs, plus metallic paint.

For the petrol model, prices start at €29,359 for the Advance version and rise to €30,163 for an Advance fitted with the Navi equipment pack and metallic paint.

Version	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Price
1.8 SKYACTIV-D Evolve	Diesel	Manual	Front-wheel drive	€27,033
1.8 SKYACTIV-D Excellence	Diesel	Manual	Front-wheel drive	€30,014
1.8 SKYACTIV-D Excellence	Diesel	Automatic	Front-wheel drive	€35,337
1.8 SKYACTIV-D Excellence	Diesel	Manual	All-wheel drive	€36,648
1.8 SKYACTIV-D Excellence	Diesel	Automatic	All-wheel drive	€45,418
1.8 SKYACTIV-D Advance	Diesel	Manual	Front-wheel drive	€27,235
2.0 SKYACTIV-G Advance	Petrol	Manual	Front-wheel drive	€29,359

Optional packs: High Safety Pack, €1100; High Tecnology Pack, €1565; Leather Pack, €2100; Leather White Pack, €2100; Navi Pack, €400.