2019 Mazda CX-3 Updates: More Upscale Interior, Better Handling

Mazda is rolling out a refreshed, more upscale, Mazda CX-3 for the 2019 model year. Highlights include cabin refinements, better handling, and a few more horses under the hood. Also, Mazda’s Smart City Brake, a low-speed collision avoidance system, comes standard to the entire lineup.

2019 Mazda CX-3 Design

Edgy is a familiar word when it comes to style these days and like other recent automaker reveals, Mazda is taking a page from a bolder design book.

: 2019 Mazda CX-3. Credit: Mazda

Changes to the 2019 CX-3 include a new front grille that creates a stronger, edgier, presence. There are also new chrome and piano black accents along with an add-on Red Crystal premium paint color. The taillights have a new cylindrical, machine-like design and LED signature lights.

: 2019 Mazda CX-3. Credit: Mazda

It all rides on new multifaceted spoke 18-inch wheels with new low-profile tires that better absorb shock from road surfaces.

More Upscale Cabin

Inside the cabin, higher trims get full leather seating with high-gloss piping for the first time. The seats are also redesigned with more cushion foam support and offer driver’s seat memory.

: 2019 Mazda CX-3. Credit: Mazda

Also, gone is the handbrake. In its place, a new electronic parking brake with auto-hold frees up cabin space adding up to more storage space. The center console has been redesigned with an armrest and relocated cupholders.

: 2019 Mazda CX-3. Credit: Mazda

Other things of note include thicker door panels, rear-door glass to make the ride quieter and an optional head-up display.

Powertrain and Handling

Under the hood, sits a new smoother, more refined SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine that Mazda says is more responsive and efficient. The tweaked engine boosts power a bit (as in 2-horsepower) to 148-horses and 148 lb-ft of torque.

Another big update it the addition of Mazda’s G Vectoring Control for increased torque, better handling, and cornering. The CX-3’s suspension and power steering have also been retuned to optimize dampening characteristics and enhance responsiveness.

Safety

The entire 2019 Mazda CX-3 lineup comes with Mazda’s Smart City Brake as standard equipment. It’s a low-speed forward collision warning system with automatic braking in emergency situations below 19 mph. The CX-3 is also available with Mazda’s i-Activsense safety systems including high beam control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing is still to be announced. Look for the new CX-3 this spring.