Mazda CX-3 2.0 121ps Sport Nav+
Better to drive
The Mazda CX-3 was a jack of all trades when it arrived in 2015. It looked the part, drove well and was fairly economical, but it didn’t truly excel in any one area at a time when rivals were championing practicality, value and sheer niche appeal.
That changes with this facelifted version, which gets a slew of mechanical upgrades in addition to visual tweaks and interior revisions.
New coil springs and dampers have been fitted to the Macpherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension to sharpen the handling, the electric power steering has been tuned for a closer match between input and response, and the front stabiliser has shrunk to improve roll response. So more than just a prettier face, then.
Tested here in entry-level 119bhp guise, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The CX-3 can be equipped with four-wheel drive, but front-drive models like this will almost certainly be the bigger seller.
The suspension tweaks deliver a ride that’s still firm, but one that’s able to absorb shocks and imperfections without seriously unsettling the car. Cornering is largely confident and body roll isn’t as noticeable as in some rivals, although it’s still there should you go searching for it. The steering may not be as sharp as in Mazda’s sportier offerings and lacks any real road feel but still feels pleasingly weighty.
The rev-happy atmospheric petrol engine makes you feel like you’re making swift progress, but the encouraging sound can be deceiving, because peak torque has long gone by the time you reach the top end of the rev range. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and makes the automatic transmission even keener to hold gears for as long as possible before shifting up.
Elsewhere, the CX-3 retains its premium interior vibe. Optional Android Auto and Apple Carplay are welcome additions to the 7.0in infotainment system, which isn’t as user-friendly as rival systems. Rear leg room and boot space aren’t as generous, either.
The CX-3 was already one of the more engaging compact crossovers, and this updated 2018 model is even more so. The Seat Arona is still the better all-rounder, but the CX-3 is now confidently the better drive.