Facelifted Mazda CX-3 priced from £18,995

Mazda has announced prices of its facelifted CX-3 ahead of UK sales starting on 31st August.

Prices start at £18,995 for the two-wheel-drive CX-3 SE Nav powered by the 121PS petrol engine rising to £24,995 for the 150PS petrol Sport Nav+ model with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.

Alongside minor interior tweaks and added technology, the biggest change to the CX-3 range is the addition of a 1.8-litre diesel engine.

Making its debut in the updated Mazda CX-3, the firm's small diesel engine has increased in size from 1.5 to 1.8 litres with a claimed improvement in performance, economy and refinement while also meeting the latest emissions standards.

Despite the new diesel engine, the majority of UK sales will be the 2.0-litre petrol engine, available in 121PS and 150PS guises.

Cosmetic updates include a new grille, while the side pillar is now darker in colour. For the first time, Mazda's Soul Red Crystal metallic paint is now available on the CX-3.

Bigger revisions have been made inside, where an electric parking brake provides room for a centre console to flow 'more elegently' into the dashboard. The infotainment controller has also been moved forward to make it easier to use.

A console storage box with a padded armrest has also been added, while the front seats are now more comfortable thanks to the use of high-damping urethane foam cushions. The rear seats now have a central armrest with built-in cup holders.

Refinement levels have also been improved, says Mazda, thanks to upgraded door sill trims, thicker sound insolation in the doors and enhanced rear windows. There's also a thicker cabin headliner.

The CX-3 has always been one of the most engaging crossovers on the market, and the revised model features new coil springs and dampers, along with a new front anti-roll bar. Combine this with a recalibration of the electric power steering, Mazda says the end result is a more consistent weight transfer and improved shock absorption.

Orders for the facelifted Mazda CX-3 will open at the end of August, while a limited edition Sport Black+ model will go on sale on 1st October. Limited to 500 cars, this features a black leather interior, black roof spoiler, mirror caps and metallic paint.