Facelifted Mazda CX-3 is still a strong crossover contender
Mazda’s given its CX-3 crossover a mild update for 2018. Tom Wiltshire heads to Malaga to see what it’s about
What is it?
Mazda has a habit of regularly updating its cars with small refinements and improvements, rather than saving them all for a big update every few years. Such is the way with the 2018 CX-3 compact crossover, which you might find difficult to tell apart from its predecessor.
Small changes aside, it’s the same recipe we’ve come to appreciate from Mazda – good looks, a straightforward interior, smooth, naturally-aspirated petrol engines and excellent driving manners.
Does the extra veneer improve the CX-3’s weak points, though?
What’s new?
Oddly enough given the current anti-diesel rhetoric, one of the largest changes for the updated CX-3 is the addition of a new 1.8-litre oil-burner. Mazda UK admits it’s unlikely to be in huge demand, though – the outgoing 1.5 only accounted for 20 per cent of sales.
Elsewhere, changes are discreet to say the least. There’s a revised front grille and some new LED taillights, while the interior sees a redesigned centre console and some new fabric trim.
What’s under the bonnet?
Of the three engines on offer, it’s the base unit that impresses the most. The naturally-aspirated, 119bhp 2.0-litre is smooth and refined around town and mated to a slick six-speed manual it’s also good fun to wring out. The payoff for going naturally aspirated is that official fuel economy results tend to be far closer to reality – the claimed 45.5mpg is certainly achievable.
