Evolutionary upgrades for the compact crossover.
Mazda has today announced updates to the 2019 CX-3 lineup, detailing improved infotainment, comfort, and safety kit, as well as a new oiler for the 1% of buyers who opt for it. The smallest crossover in Mazda’s range takes the usual approach of bundling in a bunch of small changes rather than make a seismic shift, and the CX-3’s upgrades are aimed to sharpen its already considerable appeal.
“With its original styling, great ride & handling, and impressive practicality, the Mazda CX-3 was a class leader the minute it arrived in Australia and has remained so ever since. The latest upgrades enhances the winning elements of the CX-3, elevating its elegance, performance and functionality, firmly cementing its place as the small SUV of choice.” — Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director, Mazda Australia
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 range now begins at $23,990 for the entry-level Neo Sport (changed from the outgoing Neo) manual FWD, while a top-flight Akari automatic diesel AWD will set you back $40,490, but comes with quite a number of appealing bells and whistles.
Changes across the board include things like a rear-view camera for all models, as well as a 7.0-inch touchscreen MZD-Connect system. This is upgraded on top-spec Akari models, which get a 360º camera system, as well as adaptive cruise control replete with stop-start traffic functionality. All cars get improved urethane cushioning for the front seats and an electric parking brake, while MaxxSport cars get black pillar trims, while higher-end variants of the CX-3 benefit from a new rear centre armrest that incorporates 2 cupholders. Akari cars also get a choice between white & black full-leather upholstery now, though Akari & sTouring variants enjoy new-design 18-inch alloys.
The 2.0-litre SkyActiv atmospheric petrol mill has been revised slightly to produce 110kW and 195Nm, representing an astonishing upgrade of 1kW and 3Nm. The big news comes for diesel fans, as the 2019 CX-3 ditches the 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D engine in favour of a new 1.8-litre SkyActiv-D mill, which produces 85kW and 275Nm (outgoing engine only made 77kW). The Neo Sport entry level model with the petrol engine is now rated to consume 6.3L/100km (0.2L/100km more than the MY2018 car), while the all-wheel drive models use the same 6.7L/100km as before. Opt for a fuel-saving diesel and all-wheel drive cars keep their 5.1L/100km FC figure, though front-driven MaxxSport oilers now only use 4.7L/100km (down 0.1L).
NeoSport entry-level cars come with things like new 16-inch steelies with covers, while halogen headlights, six-speaker audio system with DAB+ & Bluetooth, black fabric upholstery and rear parking sensors, and soldier on with six-airbags, forward & reverse AEB and others, making the CX-3 a very safe choice for families.
The MaxxSport cars get 16-inch alloys, automatic lights & wipers, sat-nav, climate control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and leather wrapping for the steering wheel and gear lever.
The sTouring remains a very well-specced option with its Maztex faux-leather upholstery, 18-inch alloys and smart LED headlights, which are joined by a heads-up display, keyless entry & go, electrochroamatic rear-view mirror, fog lights on either end, all-round parking sensors. There’s also traffic-sign recognition and driver attention alert, which remains impressive for a $30k crossover.
But if you’re feeling posh, you can perhaps bring home a flagship CX-3 Akari, which offers adaptive-LED headlights, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, 360º surround-view monitor, electrically-adjustable drivers seat with heating for front pews, and a powered sunroof.
So to recap, here's the 2019 Mazda CX-3 range in full:
| Neo Sport | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6MT | $23,990 |
| Neo Sport | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6AT | $25,990 |
| Maxx Sport | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6MT | $25,490 |
| Maxx Sport | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6AT | $27,490 |
| Maxx Sport | 2.0L Petrol | AWD | 6AT | $29,490 |
| Maxx Sport | 1.8L Diesel | AWD | 6AT | $29,990 |
| sTouring | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6MT | $28,740 |
| sTouring | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6AT | $30,740 |
| sTouring | 2.0L Petrol | AWD | 6AT | $32,740 |
| sTouring | 1.8L Diesel | AWD | 6AT | $35,240 |
| Akari | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6MT | $33,990 |
| Akari | 2.0L Petrol | FWD | 6AT | $35,990 |
| Akari | 2.0L Petrol | AWD | 6AT | $37,490 |
| Akari | 1.8L Diesel | AWD | 6AT | $40,490 |
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