Mazda CX-3 (2015 – 2019) Review

March 2015

Mazda CX-3 debuts

Choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, petrol or diesel power, connectivity technology and an extensive range of active safety systems.

SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct-injection petrol engine: “Rightsized” and naturally aspirated for superb linear performance and excellent real-world fuel economy. Offered for the CX-3 in two versions with standard i-stop idle-stop system; also available with the latest version of i-ELOOP, Mazda’s unique brake energy regeneration system. Output: FWD: 120PS at 6,000rpm & 204Nm at 2,800rpm; AWD: 150PS at 6,000rpm & 204Nm at 2,800rpm.

SKYACTIV-D 1.5 clean diesel: Like the version launched on the all-new Mazda2, it delivers hybrid-like fuel economy and low-knock operation thanks to a special combustion chamber and fuel injection system to help counter cooling losses; a compact high-efficiency turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. Standard i-stop, the idle-stop system delivering the world’s fastest diesel restarts. Output: 105PS at 4,000rpm & 270Nm at 1,600-2,500rpm.

SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Delivers the direct feel of a manual, with smooth acceleration from zero and excellent fuel economy Comes with a Drive Selection switch (petrol models) to change into “sport” mode for more torque in response to accelerator pressure

SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual. Compact lightweight transmission fea­turing a lock ball-type synchroniser for short, crisp and smooth gearshifts. Short level shaft and large drop angle for precise operation

April 2017

GT Sport model introduced

Along with technology updates for the CX-3. It gets upgrades to both Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems and the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, while across the board the CX-3 benefits from the introduction of G-Vectoring Control (GVC), subtle suspension revisions and increased sound insulation to ensure improved cabin refinement.

The revised 13-model Mazda CX-3 range features eight 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol models and five SKYACTIV-D 105ps diesels. Available in all trims, with both SKYACTIV-MT manual and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions, the 120ps engine with front-wheel drive makes up the bulk of the line-up, while the 150ps engine is matched exclusively to all-wheel drive (AWD).

Joining the 120ps SKYACTIV-G petrol line up, the GT Sport is offered with manual or automatic gearbox and costs £22,895 and £24,095 respectively. Limited to just 500 cars, the GT Sport features the same generous standard equipment tally as the Sport Nav, but adds to the CX-3’s appeal with unique styling cues and high-class interior trim.

March 2018

Updated Mazda CX-3 launched

Updates are a more refined KODO design, extensively modified SKYACTIV engines and a broader range of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies. In Europe from Summer 2018.

Exterior changes include a new front grille, the option of beautiful Soul Red Crystal paint and new 18-inch aluminum wheels. The new interior features a central armrest, an electro-mechanical parking brake with “auto-hold”-function and extensive i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems enhancements including a new traffic jam assistant (in combination with SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission) and a Matrix LED lighting system.

The SKYACTIV-D diesel engine for the Mazda CX-3 2018 offers numerous improvements that ensure it meets the EURO 6d-Temp emission standard, including real-drive emission test (RDE). The lowered combustion temperature, achieved by an increased displacement of the four-cylinder engine together with other engine upgrades, leads to even lower NOx raw emissions. A NO x storage catalyst reduces the few remaining nitrogen oxide components in the exhaust gas to the level required for Euro 6d-Temp standard.

The SKYACTIV-G petrol engines of the 2018 Mazda CX-3 also received several updates to further reduce particulate emissions found in gasoline direct injection engines. However, even without a gasoline particle filter, the SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine meets the stricter requirements of the Euro 6d-Temp emission standard including the RDE-test for the number of particles.

August 2018

Pricing announced for revamped Mazda CX-3.

Prices now start at £18,995 for CX-3 2.0 Skyactiv G 121PS SE Nav+. 1.5 diesel engine now increased in capacity to 1.8 litres to meet ELTP emissions; still 115PS.

Externally, the 2018 Mazda CX-3 is identified by a revised grille, while a darker side pillar treatment enhances the coupe-like profile. Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint is also now available on the CX-3. Offered in SE Nav+, SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+ trim: all cars, with the exception of the entry-level 121ps SE Nav+, feature front LED fog lights and rear privacy glass, while Sport Nav+ cars have 18-inch silver alloy wheels, LED headlights, signature LED rear lights and chrome effect front bumper and side trim garnishes.

There are more significant revisions inside. Redesigned around the adoption of an electric parking brake, the centre console now flows more elegantly into the dashboard, while the Mazda Multimedia Commander has moved forward for improved usability.

There is also a padded armrest with console storage box underneath. The front seats have high-damping urethane foam cushions that improve comfort and support, while the rear seats now feature a central armrest with built in cup holders. There are upgraded door sill trims, while cabin refinement is improved with thicker sound isolation in the doors, enhanced rear glazing and an increase in the cabin headliner thickness to absorb more sound.

Being a Mazda, the 2018 CX-3’s gains enhanced handling and improved ride comfort. New coil springs and dampers have been fitted, while the front anti-roll bar has also been changed. Combined with a recalibration of the electric power steering, the end result is more consistent weight transfer and improved shock absorption.

As before, the bulk of the range is powered by the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, which is available in 121ps and 150ps power outputs. The 2018 CX-3’s petrol engines have new edge-cut pistons and high-pressure injectors to ensure ample torque through the rev-range and improve real-world economy.

Making its debut in the 2018 Mazda CX-3, the displacement of Mazda’s small clean diesel engine has increased from 1.5 to 1.8 litres.

From 1st October a limited edition of 500 Mazda CX-3 Sport Black+ joins the range. It features a black leather interior, black roof spoiler, mirror caps and free of charge metallic paint.

* Optional on petrol Sport Nav+ models in combination with the Safety Pack.

**Only available on Sport Nav+ models, not available on 115ps diesel models.

May 2019

Limited edition GT Sport Nav+ model announced

On sale from 1 June and limited to 500 cars, the CX-3 GT Sport Nav+ is offered exclusively with the 2.0-litre 121ps Skyactiv-G engine matched to two-wheel drive with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. With a choice of free-of-charge Jet Black Mica, Ceramic Metallic or Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, the GT Sport Nav+ is marked out by unique matt silver trim garnish on the lower sections of the front and rear bumpers, plus bright silver door mirror covers.

Inside, Red Nappa leather seats with white inserts combine with white soft touch door panel and dashboard inserts to give the cabin a stand out look, while the leather driver’s seat features power adjustment with a memory function.

Priced at £24,095 for the manual and £25,095 for the automatic, the GT Sport Nav+ Mazda CX-3 arrives in dealerships from the 1st June 2019.