Mazda CX-3 facelift bows in NY with subtle changes

Mazda CX-3 facelift bows in NY with subtle changes

The Mazda CX-3 has been a rather successful product for Hiroshima, and as promised early in the year, a facelift has been introduced at the ongoing New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) to keep the B-segment crossover at the sharp end of the field. Rather than rewriting the rulebook, the updates are small but numerous and are intended to provide tangible benefits to consumers.

On the outside, the tweaks are subtle – given that the outgoing model was already a handsome car to begin with – and are meant to add a feeling of quality and elegance. The six-point grille gains double chrome slats, while chrome accents on the front corners and side skirts are said to help create a feeling of forward motion.

Moving to the rear, the tail lights have been redesigned with a more cylindrical, machined look, as well as light guides inspired by the CX-5. The new 18-inch wheels, meanwhile, receive a multifaceted five-double-spoke design with a metallic sheen. Gloss black window pillars and fog light surrounds, as well as a new Soul Red Crystal paint option from the CX-5, complete the exterior revamp.

Mazda CX-3 facelift bows in NY with subtle changes

There are greater changes on the inside, where you’ll find a mildly revised dashboard that ditches the current full-width air vent design. But the biggest change can be found lower down – the manual handbrake lever has been replaced by an electronic parking brake that not only frees up storage space but also finally allows for the inclusion of a proper padded armrest, something that will surely go down well with customers over here.

Elsewhere, the front seats are wider and feature high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam that is said to provide greater support while still being supple enough to be comfortable on long journeys. At the rear, passengers are treated to a new centre armrest with built-in cupholders. Thicker door panels, tailgate glass and headliner as well as upgraded door seals make for a quieter, more refined cabin.

Mazda has also updated the materials, with suede-like trim from the new Mazda 6 gracing the dashboard and door panels. For the first time in the United States, top-spec models get full leather upholstery, incorporating glossy pleated red piping that complement the new red air vent accents. Colours have also been simplified, with a grey base colour complemented by black or white seats on higher-end variants.

Mazda CX-3 facelift bows in NY with subtle changes

Power comes from a revised 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, retuned to increase torque across the entire rev range, improve fuel efficiency and reduce internal friction. This enables the engine to respond much quicker to the driver’s intentions while at the same time improving refinement. In the US, outputs are rated at 148 hp and 201 Nm of torque.

The usual six-speed automatic and manual transmissions and front- and all-wheel drive options will be retained, along with the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system introduced last year – which tweaks engine timing to control the car’s dynamic behaviour. Under the skin, the suspension and steering have been retuned to optimize dampening characteristics and enhance responsiveness, while the 18-inch wheel option features new tyres that better absorb shocks from road surfaces and reduce braking distances.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Soon to be cloned by Toyota USA.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 5
    • Lcians on Mar 30, 2018 at 10:29 am

      Iriz Crossover 1.6T. nuff said

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 16
      • Abu Kassim on Mar 30, 2018 at 12:33 pm

        Don’t talk about Iriz. Nobody buys it. People now buy the 2018 Perodua Myvi. Real hot seller

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 15
        • 55% rejected new Mivi.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 7
          • Monthly production states otherwise. Sales figure which also shows p1 performance is much worse is a much better indicator

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
          • Monthly sales dun say anything. P2 outsold P1, so what? Kapcai oso outsold P2, what. Is kapcai better than P2? Pipu buy P2 becoz its cheap not becoz its gud.

            And Mazda sales is lower than Toyota, so what? Toyota USA admitted their Yaris is junk and need to rebadge Mazda2 to enter USA.

            So why higher sales but cannot enter USA? Becoz its crap. Higher sales only means more crap, thats all. Its still crap.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
    • 12yrsold on Mar 30, 2018 at 2:32 pm

      john, yesterday U said the Mazda2 is too small for the Mericanos. Is this CX3 small too ?!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
      • Small at rear due to low roofline. Sometimes knock my head when going into my frens CX3. Taller Muricans will sue for discrimination against tall pipu, but still Mazda is the better Toyota.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Henry on Mar 30, 2018 at 11:27 am

    Twice I wanted to buy this SUV but aborted. I like everything about it except for the compact size which is the deal breaker.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 4
  • Crazeee on Mar 30, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Price quite expensive, but i think worth buying than chr.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 5
    • lantis on Mar 30, 2018 at 1:23 pm

      So is Toyoto C-HR expensive too???

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
      • Live goes on la..move on..lose is lose...1million % lose is lose on Mar 30, 2018 at 8:18 pm

        Dei…i saw this chr di in pj…looks worstbthan civic..the back the window so tiny…UP TO U LO!!!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Richard Tido on Mar 30, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    So will the already very expensive price be increased more?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Aircond outlet only 3 ???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
  • passion on Mar 30, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    TOO SMALL!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • If you want to feel safe and stylishy inside a compact SUV this is for you

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • is it me, or the facelifted cx3 looks more dull & boring now?

    getting fewer on the road these days the current cx3

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • Any idea when is this arriving in Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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