The updated 2019 Mazda CX-3 has been launched with exterior and interior tweaks, updated safety features, improved handling and a gruntier diesel engine.

THE UPDATED 2019 Mazda CX-3 goes on-sale at the end of this month boasting a new front grille and rear tail-light combination on sTouring and top-spec Akari variants. The interior has been tweaked too with the addition of a padded armrest and an electric handbrake standard across the range this has meant the command controller for the infotainment has been moved for improved use (but there’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, leaving the BT-50 as the only vehicle int he range with smartphone mirroring. Pricing starts from $23,990+ORC.

Despite the introduction of a new, gruntier diesel engine to the range, Mazda is expecting it to make just 1 per cent of total sales of the new CX-3. And it’s predicting the front-drive variants will account for 92 per cent of sales with the automatic transmission finding its way onto 90 per cent of CX-3s purchased. In terms of the sales mix, Mazda is expecting the bulk of sales to come from Maxx Sport and sTouring (55 and 25 per cent, respectively).

The seating, like other recently-released Mazdas, has seen urethane foam used in the base for improved long-distance comfort. Top-spec models now get a full leather interior. Rounding out the aesthetic tweaks, sTouring and Akari variants get new, 18-inch alloys with a bright metallic finish.

In terms of safety, a reversing camera is now standard across the range along Mazda’s i-Activesense active safety suite, which includes Smart City Brake Support Forward and Reverse (SCBS F/R) and Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA). The range-topping Akari adds a 360-degree View Monitor and Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go, the only vehicle in its category to offer both functions.

Mazda has said it’s made some running changes to improve the way the CX-3 handles with some minor tweaks to the suspension via new bushings and tweaks to the power steering too. Mazda has been gradually working its way through its product range and tweaking NVH and the CX-3 has copped a thicker headlining, thicker rear window glass as well as thicker front and rear doors as well as softening the closing mechanism to remove some of the tinniness of the old model with urethane door seals to further improve road noise sealing.

There have been no changes to the dimensions of the CX-3 so the interior space remains the same as does the standard boot space of 264L which is one of the smallest in the segment.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol has been refined with peak power and torque climbing slightly (from 110kW to 111kW and 192Nm to 195Nm). A new 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel replaces the 1.5L engine in the old car. This offers 85kW at 4000rpm (up from 77KW) and 270Nm of torque from 1600-2600rpm.

Mazda CX-3 is available in four model grades, with Neo and Maxx variants getting name changes to Neo Sport and Maxx Sport as well as sTouring and the top-spec Akari. And it can be had in both front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Maxx Sport, sTouring and Akari are available with both petrol and diesel engines, with the diesel variants attracting a premium of several thousand dollars compared with their petrol equivalent. There are eight colours to choose from, matched with five model-dependent interior colour schemes.

Speaking about the release of the updated CX-3, Managing director at Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi, said, “With its original styling, great ride and handling and impressive practicality, Mazda CX-3 was a class leader from the minute it arrived in Australia and has remained so ever since,” he said.

“This latest round of upgrades enhances the winning elements of the Mazda CX-3, elevating its elegance, performance and functionality, firmly cementing its place as the small SUV of choice.”

2019 Mazda CX-3 pricing: